This project focussed on education and communication with the broader catchment community and active environmental groups. It assisted new groups and supported and championed the on ground work of volunteers through the Mambara newsletter and the Sydney Nature Carers (SNaC) email group. In partnership with councils and environmental educators, this project monitored community involvement and established criteria to evaluate community NRM engagement.

In November 2006 this project supported the Environmental Planning Forum at the University of Technology , Sydney . A summary of the proceedings has been prepared summarising the proceedings. The seven local government presentations given at the Forum are summarised, with three of these being selected as 'Case Studies' because of their innovation, elements of good practice and useful tips which could be applied by other organisations.

In May 2007 this project supported the 2007 Community Forum, held at the Mercure Hotel, Sydney .  The Forum aimed to provide Sydney ?s environmental community groups and motivated individuals with the opportunity to come together, to share their experiences and knowledge with one another.  Almost 100 attendees came together to learn about how the SMCMA works and hear and share ideas about how the CMA and community can work together in the future. Over 95 per cent of attendees at the 2007 Forum thought the quality of information and ideas, the quality of facilitation and the responsiveness of the SMCMA staff was either ?good? or ?spot on?. A copy of the minutes and the resulting ?Action List & Timetable? are available to download.

In May 2008 this project supported the 2008 Community Forum, held at the Novotel Hotel, Olympic Park. Just over 100 community members attended to hear about ?Biodiversity in Urban Sydney? and community partnerships. Over 99 per cent of attendees at the 2008 Forum thought the quality of information and ideas, and the usefulness of the day for their community project were either ?good? or ?spot on?. A copy of the minutes, presentations and handouts are available to download.

The various Forums have been a major element of the SMCMA's Community Program, helping to address catchment targets related to promoting community involvement in natural resource management, planning and decision making. 

Partners: Local Government, Department of Environment and Climate Change

Coordinators: SMCMA

Environmental Outcomes: Increased community capacity to contribute to improved NRM

Funding Source: NHT

Funding 2006-7: $98,400; 2007-8: $100,000