Catchment Management: Making it Simple

Ensuring consistency in the development of Catchment Management Plans (CMPs) for stormwater can be a challenge due to the dynamic and unique environment of each catchment. A framework and template for preparation of CMPs has been developed by leveraging experience in stormwater catchment planning and consenting, which has been refined through work for three local councils. This framework includes ten defined stages to ensure a streamlined and efficient process, while allowing a consistent approach across various catchments. It asks questions of the user so that all ecological, social, cultural, amenity and economic objectives for managing water quality, water quantity and land use can be achieved. The CMP template incorporates the frameworks stages in varying degrees of detail for all catchments to standardise the process for CMP preparation and ensure consistency and robustness. This paper will examine and provide examples for what should be included in each stage of the process and show how this framework and template can be used for those who need to manage water resources and land use within a catchment.