The Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan

The Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) is a strategic plan that was launched to protect the biodiversity in Western Sydney and streamline the biodiversity certification process. This will enable the growth and development of Western Sydney, including 73,000 new homes, while ensuring the protection of our unique ecosystems, which is a primary consideration.

For more information about the CPCP, visit the NSW Government CPCP website.

The CPCP Compliance Support Team

The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) is playing a significant role in the CPCP. WSROC, in partnership with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), is running a 12-month pilot, supporting councils to deliver their CPCP responsibilities, including education, community engagement, compliance and wider support.

The need for education and engagement on matters of illegal native vegetation clearing throughout the CPCP region will be a primary function of the team, with the potential to support the compliance and regulatory actions of councils.

The CPCP Compliance Support Team has consulted with Local Councils to identify the support they see as critical to be provided. This consultation has resulted in the development of the CPCP Compliance Support Team – Achievement Plan. This document, co-designed with councils, outlines the support the Team will provide, and seven key projects the Team will aim to complete by the conclusion of the pilot.

All CPCP regulatory and compliance activities carried out by the CPCP Team will be developed with and endorsed by local councils.

Who we are working with

The CPCP has identified local councils as key delivery partners, playing a crucial role in achieving the Plan's commitments and outcomes. Councils, with their established community education and compliance teams, are critical for on-ground operations.

The councils that have been included in the CPCP boundaries are:

• Blacktown City Council
• Hawkesbury City Council
• Liverpool City Council
• Wollondilly Shire Council
• Fairfield City Council
• Camden Council
• Campbelltown City Council
• Penrith City Council

The Team will also work with a range of NSW government organisations, including DPHI, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Local Land Services (LLS).

Support provided by the CPCP Compliance Support Team

The Team will be working to develop a ‘partnership-focused’ model that works cooperatively with councils and other organisations to achieve the shared commitments and desired outcomes of the CPCP. Working semi-autonomously to provide maximum benefit to these organisations, the Team will provide support to councils, their communities and the region in three main aspects:

• Communication and Engagement:
  The Team will work with councils, landholders and communities to promote the retention, enhancement and protection of existing native vegetation in the CPCP area by increasing understanding and raising awareness on the importance of compliance.
• Council awareness and capacity building:

Where needed, the Team will provide support to councils to build internal awareness of CPCP and related matters. The Team will also work to build councils' capacity for enhancing community education and engagement.

• Supporting council investigations into native vegetation clearing:
  Upon request, the Team can assist councils with CPCP compliance activities, which will vary but could include investigations, inspections and reporting.

Who should I contact for more information?

To discuss working with the WSROC CPCP Compliance and Regulatory Team or for general information about WSROC, our projects and programs, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information on the CPCP Program, please email the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information about the regulation of threatened and endangered species, please email the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Further reading and resources

Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan | Information for Landholders

The CPCP and Associated Documents | Planning

Mapping – Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan | Planning