Have your say on the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program

A long-term plan for the management of the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system has been prepared, and the community is encouraged to have their say.  

In partnership with the NSW Government, six councils, including the Central Coast, Northern Beaches, Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby Shire, The Hills Shire and Hawkesbury City, have worked together to develop The Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (CMP).

This coordinated, whole-of-system plan, covers 145km of tidal waterways from Broken Bay to Yarramundi, including Pittwater and Brisbane Water, representing a new, integrated approach to river management. 

A much-loved feature of the Central Coast, the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system provides habitat for diverse ecosystems, holds cultural significance and supports recreation, tourism and aquaculture.

Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the CMP proposes a 10-year program that outlines actions for strengthening how the river system is managed.  

“Our waterways don’t stop at council boundaries, and neither should the way we care for them,” Mayor McKinna said. 

“This program brings councils touched by the river together with one unified goal, protecting the waterways that flow through all our communities.

“For the Central Coast, this is about special places we know and love including Brisbane Water, Broken Bay, Umina, Pearl Beach, Patonga and Mangrove Creek."  

The development of the CMP included long-term engagement with State Government Agencies, First Nations Groups and local communities.

“If you love the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system, I encourage you to view the draft plan and have your say,” Mayor McKinna said. 

“Together, we can shape the future of our waterways.”

The Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program is on public exhibition from Monday 20 April to Sunday 31 May 2026. 

To view the draft program and make a submission, visit Your Voice Our Coast, and select Our Coast Our Waterways.  

ENDS