Water Management
Monitoring: State of the Catchments
The NSW government through its State Plan seeks to protect and enhance the condition of the State’s rivers and groundwater through the establishment of environmental condition targets.
The Department of Water and Energy is responsible for measuring and reporting on progress towards the statewide targets for rivers and groundwater. These two targets are:
- By 2015 there is an improvement in the condition of riverine ecosystems
- By 2015 there is an improvement in the ability of groundwater systems to support groundwater dependent ecosystems and designated beneficial uses.
A series of State of the Catchment Reports showing the condition of our rivers and groundwater is being produced. Progress towards the statewide targets will be reported in the 2009 NSW State of the Environment Report.
In addition, we make use of the River Styles® framework for the identification, interpretation and mapping of River types throughout a catchment. River Styles® is a geomorphic approach for examining river character, behaviour, condition and recovery potential. This provides a physical template for river management. From this, river managers can predict the likely future condition of the river. With this information in hand, Catchment Management Authorities, can then prioritise management strategies for river rehabilitation and conservation.