The Western Catchment Blueprint was developed by the Western Catchment Management Board and published by the Minister in February 2003. It was the first Blueprint in NSW and the second nationally to receive accreditation from both the State and Australian Governments.

The Western Catchment Management Board used much of the work and material that had been carried out by the Western Catchment Management Committee in the development of the Western Catchment Regional Strategy (not available online). This Strategy was launched at Lake Woytchugga, near Wilcannia in October 1997.

The rationale and processes used in the development of the Western Catchment Blueprint are recorded in the Western Catchment Blueprint Accreditation Appendix