The Northern Rivers CMA CLAM project (2006-2007) has been recognised by Environs - The Local Government Environment Network - receiving one of 6 silver awards in Outstanding Sustainability Partnerships as well as the gold award for Outstanding Sustainability Leadership. The awards were presented to representatives of the ANU and the NR CMA at the Local Government Sustainable Development conference dinner on Tuesday, 11 September 2007.

What is CLAM?

The Coastal Lake Assessment and Management Tool is a modelling approach that allows stakeholders to assess the social, economic and environmental trade-offs associated with development, remediation and use options for coastal lakes and estuaries.

CLAM was developed in a joint effort between the Integrated Catchment Assessment and Management Centre (iCAM) at the Australian National University, and the former NSW State Department of Natural Resources (now the Department of Environment and Climate Change, DECC).

It fulfils the need for sustainability assessments of NSW coastal lakes, as identified by the Healthy Rivers Commission Report in 2002. It's application is recognised in DECC's Estuary Management Plan Process and the Department of Planning's Regional Strategies.

CLAM is an ideal tool for Councils and Estuary Management Committees involved in:
- development, implementation and review of Estuary Management Plans (EMPs)
- Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) with rezoning of coastal lands
- directing future research
- adaptive management (planning, implementation, monitoring, review)

our vision for CLAM
...is an evolving process that educates community, supports decision making and evolves within itself (constantly improving)

Within this vision, CLAM performs as a process of Coastal Lake assessment that promotes:
• education and awareness of appropriate use of models
• use of CLAM as a part of improving decision making on the coast using the best available science
• optimum data and information management
• awareness and understanding of the 'systems approach' (that is, the interconnections of economic, social, and environmental factors)
• sustainable levels of ANU-E support

our mission for CLAM
...is to promote CLAM as an appropriate and useful decision support process and enable its uptake and improvement

CLAM administration
CLAM is administered by ANU-Enterprise Pty Ltd - the commercial company of the Australian National University in Canberra.
All CLAM enquires should be forwarded to the CLAM Coordinator at ANU-E: clam@anuenterprise.com.au