The SMCMA projects are funded by the Australian Government and NSW State Government.
The SMCMA delivers natural resource management projects in the four key theme areas outlined in the Catchment Action Plan (CAP).  These are:

BIODIVERSITY
The Biodiversity theme focuses on the conservation of native vegetation recognising that healthy vegetation communities provide the base habitat for other forms of life.

COMMUNITY
The Community theme undertakes activities to support and encourage organisations and communities to increase their capacity to contribute to improved natural resource management practices. Community Support Officers work with local government, corporate and community groups, bushcare and landcare groups, indigenous groups and all those in the catchment who have a role in caring for or managing Sydney's natural resources.

INDIGENOUS
The Indigenous theme undertakes culturally appropriate activities to encourage Aboriginal communities to become involved in natural resource management

WATER AND COAST
The Water theme aims to protect all water sources from contamination, over extraction and interruption of natural processes. The CAP aims to maintain or improve riparian, wetland, groundwater ecosystem health to protect biodiversity and support sustainable use of these resources. The Coast theme focuses on a whole of catchment approach to managing impacts on the coastal zone. The unique nature of impacts in estuarine and coastal areas, necessitates that the SMCMA encourage partnerships with the community, industry and recreational users in addressing issues of concern.

LAND
The Land theme focuses on the need to preserve soils and land resources and covers soil and land capability issues and land planning and development issues.