Message from the Chairman

Contact Tom:

Email: cw@cma.nsw.gov.au

Phone: 02 6840 7800 - Fax: 02 6840 7801

Visit: Wellington CMA Office: 141 Percy Street WELLINGTON NSW 2820

Mail: PO Box 227 WELLINGTON NSW 2820

It is my pleasure on behalf of the Central West Catchment Management Authority (Central West CMA) to present our first ten year Catchment Action Plan (CAP) for the Central West Catchment to the landholders and community members within the catchment. The CAP document has been prepared by the Central West Catchment Management Authority Board which was appointed by the New South Wales Government in 2004.

The vision of the Central West CMA is vibrant communities and healthy landscapes and the mission statement is to work with the community to conserve, improve and manage natural and cultural resources. This CAP will guide the Central West CMA to achieve its vision and mission statement.

The CAP acknowledges the work of the previous Catchment Management Board, Regional Vegetation Committees and Water Management Committees and supersedes the Central West Catchment Blueprint as the document to accommodate the development in science and technology available today. The Catchment and Management Targets within the CAP address the national and state-wide policies or targets for natural resource management (NRM) within the catchment. The best effort has been taken by the Board and Central West CMA staff members to ensure that the targets are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound by utilising all relevant available resources.

The Central West CMA has been operational from the later part of 2004 and has had the opportunity to implement an on ground works program through the Investment Strategy and Annual Implementation Program. This has demonstrated that the targets within the CAP are realistic and achievable.

Eighty percent (80%) of the funding received by the CMA is for on ground implementation of NRM projects. The Central West CMA Board and the staff members are committed to ensure that this is delivered for the better management of NRM, for the well-being of the community and enhanced productivity within the catchment.

I acknowledge and the Board acknowledges the commitment, assistance and contribution made by the General Manager and staff members of the Central West CMA not only in developing this CAP document but also in the implementation and success of the on ground works that commenced in 2006. Tom Gavel Chairman, Central West Catchment Management Authority January 2007