Have Your Say on the Hawkesbury-Nepean Coastal Management Plan

The Hawkesbury-Nepean Coastal Management Program (CMP) sets the long-term strategy for managing the Hawkesbury–Nepean River System - one of the most important and iconic waterways in NSW.

Often described as the “blue heart” of Sydney and the Central Coast, the river system supports a rich mix of environmental, cultural, and economic values. It provides habitat for diverse ecosystems, holds deep cultural significance, and supports recreation, tourism, and aquaculture across the region.

However, the river is facing increasing pressures from population growth, catchment development, coastal hazards, and climate change.

In response, six local councils - Northern Beaches, Central Coast, Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby Shire, The Hills Shire, and Hawkesbury City - have come together, in partnership with the NSW Government, to develop a coordinated, whole-of-system plan. Covering over 145 km of tidal waterways - from Broken Bay to Yarramundi, including Pittwater and Brisbane Water - the CMP represents a new, integrated approach to river management.

The CMP sets out a 10-year program of actions to:

• Improve water quality and ecosystem health  
• Reduce coastal hazard risks 
• Protect cultural heritage values 
• Enhance recreational access and amenity 
• Strengthen governance across the river system 

The draft CMP is now on public exhibition. We invite you to review the plan and provide your feedback to help shape the future of the river system.

For more information on the project and exhibition process, visit https://hawkesburynepeancmp.org/. 

Online Submissions: Residents are invited to provide a written submission using the online form below by 5pm on 31 May 2026.

Email Submissions: haveyoursay@engagement.thehills.nsw.gov.au

Postal Submissions: PO Box 7064, NORWEST NSW 2153; Attention to – HNCMP C\- The Hills Shire Council