Did you know the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Catchment is the longest coastal catchment in New South Wales? Spanning an impressive 470 kilometres from Goulburn to Broken Bay, this vital waterway drains a massive 21,400 square kilometres—equivalent to 2.14 million hectares. It also forms the western boundary for around 60 percent of The Hills Local Government Area.
But the Hawkesbury River is more than just a geographical marker. It’s a multi-faceted resource that supports everything from recreational activities and commercial fishing to transport, environmental flows, tourism and a thriving agricultural industry worth close to $300 million annually.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of attending meetings of the long-established Upper Hawkesbury River Users Group—a passionate group that includes representatives from ski parks, power boat clubs, commercial fishers, maritime agencies, local councils, and other community stakeholders. All are united by a deep, genuine commitment to the health of this precious river.
In March, the group convened a special meeting to address a growing list of concerns. Triggered by noticeable changes in the river’s condition, the session aimed to discuss the river’s long-term health. Key issues raised included sediment runoff, effluent disposal, invasive weed growth, environmental flow management, sand accumulation on the riverbed, and shifts in the location of brackish water.
The gathering brought together an impressive array of agencies and departments—including the EPA, Sydney Water, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and council staff from The Hills, Hawkesbury, and Hornsby. I was joined by my fellow North Ward Councillors, as well as the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and several Hawkesbury Councillors.
What emerged was both heartening and revealing. On one hand, it’s clear that extensive work is already underway through various agencies, particularly with the development of the new Coastal Management Plan. On the other, the meeting highlighted a gap—there is no overarching body coordinating these efforts.
As a result, valuable work risks being duplicated, overlooked, or misaligned. Once, the Office of the Hawkesbury Nepean existed. Is it time this is re-established? Looking ahead, I’m committed to continuing to further my understanding of the river and advocating for its health – along with collaboration with our councils. Protecting the Hawkesbury-Nepean River isn’t just about today—it’s about ensuring a healthy, vibrant river system for generations to come.
A heartfelt thank you to the Upper Hawkesbury River Users Group for organising such an informative and impactful meeting. Your passion and dedication—especially that of Gary, Ray, and Joy—is both inspiring and essential.
