Bioregional assessment project: Sydney Metropolitan, Southern Rivers and Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchments: data collation phase to study the impact of mining activity and coal seam gas on environmental assets

This study was commissioned by the Hawkesbury-Nepean (HNCMA), Sydney Metropolitan (SMCMA) and Southern Rivers (SRCMA) Catchment Management Authorities and undertaken by the University of Wollongong to collate existing data and to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) and coal mining activities on environmental assets within the three CMA regions, where environmental assets were defined under three broad themes; water, land and biodiversity. This study formed part of the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) Bioregional Assessment initiative within regions potentially affected by CSG and coal mining activities. The key components of this study included: Creating a database (using on the SEWPaC supplied template) identifying key environmental assets (groundwater, surface water, wetlands, land use, soils, vegetation and threatened species) within each of the three CMA regions. Providing a list of the key GIS datasets used to compile the database and their sources. Providing this report which outlines findings in relation to potential impacts and hazards of coal seam gas and mining activity on these environmental assets. Identifying knowledge and data gaps, and providing recommendations for future research.