8 December 2003

The Water Directorate is very pleased to have developed the Drought Management Guidelines on behalf of our member councils. The document was developed by Jeff Austin, Director of Scarabworks Pty Ltd under the direction and peer review of the Water Directorate's Water Subcommittee.

Developed as one of the high priority actions of the Water Directorate's Executive Committee the document is a best practice collation of drought managment plans from councils across NSW, other relevant Authorities, and extensive research.

Included in the document is a guide to restriction levels, examples of contingency plans and a checklist for preparing a drought management plan. Overall the document is designed to assist your Council identify various policies and procedures that address the effects of drought.

Thanks for the valuable contribution to all the councils that forwarded their various policies to the Water Directorate for information early in the project.  These examples provided a sound basis for the guidelines.  For of the best Drought Management Plans sent in by member councils are available below.

In addition the information gathered at the joint Water Directorate and AWA Drought Managment Workshop held in September 2003 was particularly relevant.  Eleven speakers shared their wisdom of droughts, case studies and various strategies.  Speaker presentations are available at: http://www.waterdirectorate.asn.au/news/Drought_Mgt_03.htm

For more information or if you wish to purchase extra copies please contact Eloise Stanley on (02) 8267 3009 or by email: estanley@waterdirectorate.asn.au

• Albury Water - Drought Contingency and Emergency Response Plan.pdf
• Bourke Shire Council - Draft Drought Management Plan.pdf
• North Coast Water - Drought Management Plan.pdf
• Shoalhaven Water - Draft Drought Management Plan.pdf

For more information contact: