The interactive DVD ‘Soil and Land Resources of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment’ maps 2.18 million hectares of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment and provides comprehensive property planning information to land owners and land managers.

Len Banks, executive director of Scientific Services at the Department of Environment and Climate Change, said the mapping tool was the first of its kind in NSW to provide seamless soil, landform and capability information across an entire catchment.

“The DVD provides access to information previously only found on expensive mapping software or in numerous printed maps and reports,” Mr Banks said.

“Users can view satellite images of the catchment and zoom in close on a property or view larger areas of the catchment for planning purposes.

“The DVD also allows users to add layers of information to a map such as salinity hazard, erosion, soil acidity, productivity, and capabilities and constraints for rural and urban uses.”

Mr Banks said the up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive information provided by the DVD would help ensure land was used within its capability and soil condition could be improved.

“Maintaining and improving soil health is vital in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of our land and water resources,” he said.

Angus Gibson, deputy chair of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority, welcomed the new mapping tool and said he expected it to be used by many farmers, landholders, council planners, government agencies and developers across the catchment.

“The DVD puts a suite of powerful tools and data into the hands of landholders, land managers and planners who will benefit by being able to identify potential landscape issues and carry out remediation or prevention measures,” Mr Gibson said.

The Hawkesbury-Nepean Soils and Landscape DVD is available for $22 from the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Phone 131 555 or visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au for more information.