The RCP is focused on the next 25 years and seeks to establish a framework to guide conservation efforts in the Lower Hunter. Stage 1 of the RCP was announced in late 2006. This included the establishment of new conservation reserves to be managed by the then Department of Environment and Climate Change.
These new reserves comprise approximately 20,000 hectares of various high conservation value Government lands to form the backbone of major new conservation corridors including:
- a new 'Green Corridor' stretching from the Watagan Ranges, through Hexham Swamp to
Port Stephens (approximately 14,600 hectares) - important areas around Port Stephens in the Karuah area (3,000 hectares)
- a large addition to Werakata National Park near Cessnock (2,200 hectares).