Greyling, TertiusBennett, Jeffrey2015-12-101448-6563http://hdl.handle.net/1885/69541In this study we analyse the benefits and costs of investing in environmental protection in regional New South Wales. We do so by generating cost-benefit analyses for three projects which aim to protect native species: the regent honeyeater in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment; the malleefowl in the Lachlan Catchment; and the booroolong frog in the Namoi Catchment. By generating benefit-cost ratios for these three cases, we demonstrate the use of choice modelling as a means to estimate the often difficult-to-determine benefits associated with environmental investment. The use of choice modelling estimates strengthens the analysis by including 'non-monetary' values which are often excluded from such analyses. We conclude by indicating how the benefit-cost ratios can be tabulated to offer a comparison of investments, thus demonstrating how this approach gives policy makers a useful quantitative decision support tool when considering investments. Access to such information allows for the funding of only those investments that cause an improvement in the well-being of society and the prioritisation of competing proposals.Keywords: catchment; cost-benefit analysis; decision support system; development project; environmental assessment; environmental protection; investment; Australia; Hawkesbury-Nepean Basin; New South Wales; Anura; Leipoa ocellata; Meliphagidae Choice modelling; Cost-benefit analysis; Environmental protection; Healthy waterways; Native species; Native vegetationAssessing environmental protection investments in New South Wales catchments201210.1080/14486563.2012.7264632016-02-24