WATER CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT REPORT
The Hon. M. R. EGAN: On 9 September the Hon. Dr A. Chesterfield-Evans asked a question without notice relating to special areas strategic plan of management. I now provide the following answer:
The special areas strategic plan of management was prepared jointly by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service and Sydney Water in accordance with the requirements of the Water Board (Corporatisation) Act 1994. The plan’s development was supported by an extensive consultation process involving representatives from conservation, recreation and community groups, as well as experts in ecology, water quality, catchment management and public health. The Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning has endorsed the strategic plan in conjunction with the Minister for the Environment and its release has awaited:
•the completion of negotiations between Sydney Water and the National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding the transfer of some Sydney Water special areas to the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and
•finalisation of the necessary implementation process to give effect to the plan.
The implementation process for the strategic plan is now complete and negotiations regarding proposed land transfers are progressing. It is anticipated that the plan will be publicly released in late 1998.