This Act consists of 42 sections and is divided into seven Parts. The objectives of the Act are:(a) to establish authorities for the purpose of devolving operational, investment and decision-making natural resource functions to catchment levels, (b) to provide for proper natural resource planning at a catchment level, (c) to ensure that decisions about natural resources take into account appropriate catchment issues, (d) to require decisions taken at a catchment level to take into account State-wide standards and to involve the Natural Resources Commission in catchment planning where appropriate, (e) to involve communities in each catchment in decision making and to make best use of catchment knowledge and expertise, (f) to ensure the proper management of natural resources in the social, economic and environmental interests of the State, (g) to apply sound scientific knowledge to achieve a fully functioning and productive landscape, (h) to provide a framework for financial assistance and incentives to landholders in connection with natural resource management.
Part 2 is dedicated to the establishment of authorities involved in catchment management, Part 3 defines the functions of the authorities, Part 4 concerns the preparation and approval of catchment action plans and Part 5 covers annual implementation programs. Under Part 6, every authority is empowered to establish a fund to be administered by the authority in compliance with the provisions of this Act and of other relevant legislation. The Act is completed by six schedules. Schedule 5 lists the amendments to other Act as done by this Act.