Project example 5: Hawkesbury-Nepean Phosphorus Action Program
A community education and awareness project initiated by the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Trust to improve water quality in the catchment.
For more information, phone Peter Salier on (02) 9995 5364.
Step 1. Analyse the issue or problem
The problem was the current health of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, including the growth of algal blooms and water weeds (caused by excessive amounts of phosphorus and increasing population growth).
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Step 2. Identify stakeholders
The stakeholders were:
- local government/catchment councils
- Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Trust
- Department of Land and Water Conservation
- Environment Protection Authority
- Sydney Water Corporation.
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Step 3. Know your target group
The target group comprised:
- catchment residents and the general community
- local government
- industry
- agriculture
- schools
- recreational and tourist groups.
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Step 4. Determine objectives and outcomes
The goal was a healthy, diverse and productive Hawkesbury-Nepean river system for all.
The objectives were:
- to increase public awareness about the harmful effect of phosphorus on river health
- to provide information about the sources of phosphorus
- to encourage individual and corporate actions to help minimise phosphorus and pollutants
- to provide monitoring data to verify changes in the generation of phosphorus
to reduce the incidence of algal blooms.
The outcomes were:
- increased community awareness of the effect of phosphorus on the river
- less phosphorus generated in the catchment and entering watercourses
- change in attitude and behaviour within the community, leading to sustainable gains
- reduced chemical dosing required to treat phosphorus at sewage treatment plants.
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Step 5. Design your methods
Methods comprised:
- appointing a full-time project manager
- establishing a steering committee with representatives from the community, local government, government agencies and the Trust to set strategic direction for the program
- establishing a working party with representatives from government and the Trust to implement Steering Committee recommendations
- communication/marketing:
- brochures, posters, T-shirts, drink coasters, bookmarks, carry bags, displays, catchment mailout, calendar
- media activities: radio and press advertising, competitions, trade journal articles
meetings with key stakeholders and organisations to enlist support and develop joint programs
- regular media releases to key stakeholders
- school activities, teaching resources, competitions
- public awareness; operational monitoring.
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Step 6. Consider funding
The program was funded by the Special Environmental Levy, the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Trust, Department of Land and Water Conservation and some catchment councils. The agencies and the Trust also gave 'in kind' support.
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Step 7. Make an action plan and implement it
The plan involved:
- a pre-benchmark survey (Nov 94)
- strategic media and marketing plan approved (Mar 95)
- a program launch (May 95)
- a local radio campaign (May 95)
- negotiating with Cumberland Newspaper Group for a regular column in each catchment paper and to support the program (Jun-Jul 95)
- negotiating with John Williamson to lend his support to the program (Jun 95)
- negotiating with Radio 2WS FM for community service time and support (Jul 95)
- a Streamwatch Open Day (Jul 95)
- intensive radio/print campaign (Aug-Dec 95)
- launch of the local government Phosphorus Action Policy (Aug 95)
- bus and carpark advertising (Aug-Dec 95)
- mail-out to all residents in catchment (Oct 95)
- school art, pledge and advertising projects (Sep-Dec 95)
- a schools Presentation of Awards Day (Dec 95)
- a field day for dairy farmers to promote dairy waste systems (Nov 95)
- an on-site wastewater disposal training course (Dec 95)
- an evaluation survey (Dec 95)
- negotiating with Panthers for monthly column and to support the program (Feb 96)
- negotiating with Sydney Water to monitor influent phosphorus at 3 STPs (Dec 95-May 96)
- launch of the school education package Enough is Enough with Sydney Water (Jun 96)
- preparing and circulating a report.
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Step 8. Monitor and evaluate
Activities involved:
- a benchmark survey (telephone poll of 120 residents in 6 subcatchments) (Nov 94)
- monitoring of progress (Steering Committee, monthly)
- monitoring of influent to 3 STPs (ongoing)
- media monitoring
- water quality monitoring of Hawkesbury-Nepean River and tributaries (EPA, Sydney Water, StreamWatch)
- monitoring changes in practices of local government and agriculture
- an evaluation survey (telephone poll of 120 residents in 6 subcatchments) (Dec 95).
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Page last updated: 27 February 2011
