The Hawkesbury-Nepean River system is a major social, environmental and economic asset for the state of New South Wales. This extensive estuary system encompasses the Hawksbury-Nepean River, Pittwater, Brisbane Water and Broken Bay, which span the Greater Sydney and Hunter - Central Coast regions. Together, these provide a stunning natural environment, areas of cultural significance, a multitude of social and recreational benefits, and are a key contributor to the regional economy. In accordance with the NSW Coastal Management Framework, management of the estuary system and its tributaries will be guided by a Coastal Management Program (CMP). The six (6) councils that border the tidal waterways of the system have agreed to work together through Stage 1 of an integrated, whole of system CMP. The councils are: ◼ Central Coast Council ◼ Hornsby Shire Council ◼ Hawkesbury City Council ◼ Ku-ring-gai Council ◼ The Hills Shire Council ◼ Northern Beaches Council The purpose of the CMP is to set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the system and its catchment. The CMP seeks to achieve the objectives of the Coastal Management Act through a program that will identify coastal management issues, pressures, and risks - and the actions required to address these issues in a strategic and integrated way. This Scoping Study represents the first of five stages in the CMP Process.