Risk-based framework for urban waterway health

Healthy waterways are important for a healthy environment, society and economy.

The risk-based framework helps councils assess the impacts of land-use activities on local waterways. A risk-based approach allows waterways to be managed based on the level of risk.

The risk-based framework combines the key parts of the national water quality management strategy into a five-step process. It does this by:

• finding out how communities value and use their local waterways
• identifying waterways that are most sensitive to land use activities and require protection from pollution
• working out how management actions lower the impacts on waterways to make sure the community’s values and uses are being met
• providing a clear and transparent process for management decisions that affect waterways.

Central region Sydney - South Creek

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW)

Local government, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fisheries, Local Land Services

• Applying the risk-based framework to land-use planning
• Using the risk-based framework to manage stormwater