"Regional community groups are being established to directly contribute to the revision of the Plan," said the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning Executive Director, David Papps.

"These Groups will be made up of local people with representatives from industry, landholders and Landcare groups along with local Mayors and State MPs."

"The representative groups will workshop a preferred approach to addressing the concerns raised in community submissions. The groups will also help develop key guidelines such as the 'neutral or beneficial effect' test to ensure the revised plan is practical."

Once the representative groups have given their input, the revised plan will be placed on public exhibition so that everyone has the opportunity to comment on it.

"The Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and the Sydney Catchment Authority want to work closely with the community to resolve the concerns that have been raised about the plan.

"I am confident that by working with the community in this way we will produce a plan which provides for sustainable development within the catchment areas. At the same time the plan will provide for the protection and restoration of healthy catchments for the long term."

SCA chief executive Mr Jeff Wright has welcomed the new consultative approach.

"People living, farming, working and running businesses in the catchment area have real concerns about the plan and this new process will allow them to have greater input into shaping the final document," Mr Wright said.

"We look forward to working closely with DUAP and the community during this important next step in framing the regional plan."