The CANRI website and program were officially launched at Parliament House Sydney on 15 March 2001, by NSW Deputy Premier the Hon Dr Andrew Refshauge. NSW Minister for Land and Water Conservation and Minister for Agriculture, the Hon Richard Amery, presided at the event and Minister for Fisheries and Mineral Resources the Hon Eddie Obeid was also present.

Over 120 distinguished guests representing more than 40 organisations attended the launch. Minister Amery described the audience as "virtually the Who’s Who of natural resource management around the State".

The Deputy Premier, the Minister for Land and Water Conservation and Agriculture, and speakers representing government agencies, environment groups and farmers, all showed strong support for the CANRI program (see speech highlights and transcripts below).

Following the speeches and a multimedia presentation, the CANRI website was demonstrated to guests.

A public forum on CANRI at 3pm in the State Library attracted considerable interest from community groups and Councils, with lively discussion until after 5pm.