Catchments Remediation Program


Catchments Remediation Rate at Work

What is the Catchments Remediation Rate?

This special rate is used to fund projects which repair, beautify and protect the health of Hornsby Shire’s waterways and catchments.

Since its introduction in 1994, the rate has enabled Council to install and maintain more than 400 stormwater quality improvement devices across the Shire’s four major catchment areas, Hawkesbury River, Berowra Creek, Cowan Creek and the Upper Lane Cove River.

The Catchments Remediation Rate is currently levied at 5 percent of Council’s ordinary rate in accordance with section 495 of the NSW Local Government Act.

What are some of the projects it funds?

The rate has been use to fund projects which aim to control pollution and remediate waterways, such as the construction of:

  • Sediment basins
  • Artificial wetlands
  • Gross pollutant traps
  • Rubbish racks, baskets and nets
  • Bioretention systems (rain gardens)
  • Leachate treatment facilities
  • Creek remediation works
  • Stormwater harvesting schemes

Some of these initiatives are not visible as they are located underground. Others, such as Clarinda Wetland and the Lyne Road Bioretention System, are highly visible and act as natural water filtering systems while also providing habitat for native flora and fauna.

Other funded initiatives include:

  • Maintenance of stormwater quality improvement devices
  • Water quality monitoring and research
  • Environmental education
  • Street sweeping
  • Industrial auditing
  • Emergency spill response
  • Environmental compliance and management

Annual Reports

For further information, please contact:

David Beharrell
Team Leader, Catchment Remediation
Phone: (02) 9847 6860
Mobile: 0438 103 160
Email: dbeharrell@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

David Bolton
Catchment Education Officer
Phone: (02) 9847 6998
Email: dbolton@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Elizabeth Bulley
Environmental Scientist - Water Quality Assets
Phone: (02) 9847 6965
Email: ebulley@hornsby.nsw.gov.au