This Strategy aims to bring together Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), relevant New South Wales (NSW) government agencies and local councils to focus their collective efforts on priority problems to address diffuse source water pollution through a coordinated framework that promotes partnerships and improves information sharing. Its primary purpose is to reduce diffuse source pollutants in all New South Wales surface and groundwater. The primary objectives of the Strategy are to: identify new and effective ways of achieving State-wide collaboration by focusing on actions that address priority diffuse source water pollution problems; prioritize management actions to guide investment decisions and focus efforts; provide an agreed framework to promote and report on the implementation of priority management actions and partnerships. More specifically, the Strategy seeks to provide the following benefits at at State level: improved water quality and health of NSW water bodies; increased collaboration and efficiencies between NSW government agencies on management efforts; increased reporting on management actions; increased information services that build an understanding of diffuse source water pollution and provide a forum to share knowledge and experience in a cost-effective manner. At the regional and local level, the Strategy pursues the following benefits: increased understanding of management priorities to inform investment strategies; improved support for investment proposals; increased resource efficiencies and sharing of experience and knowledge; improved understanding of the causes and effects of diffuse source water pollution in a particular area; increased knowledge of landscapes, places and activities which are threatened by diffuse source water pollution. The Strategy is primarily focused on these three priority problems: 1) sediment levels; 2) nutrients; 3) pathogens. These are the key impacts to address: smothering of aquatic ecosystems; increased water infrastructure maintenance costs; nuisance weed growth and harmful algal blooms; increased water treatment costs; reduced fishery production (commercial and recreational); reduced fishery production (aquaculture, commercial and recreational fishing); human health impacts from aquatic recreation. Appendix I outlines the priority State-level actions to address these problems.
澳大利亚 · 2009-06-01