An Australian perspective on drought and water management objectives for regional development

Abstract

Urban and rural water shortages during the late 1970s and early 1980s created severe management and distributional difficulties for many water supply authorities throughout eastern Australia. In the case study selected, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, water consumers experienced a wide range of effects which varied by sector and location. Concepts and perceptions of ‘drought’ are analysed with reference to water supply policies and objectives of major water suppliers in the region. The effectiveness of water planning and administration is retrospectively examined for the 1979–84 drought. A number of lessons are given for future water resources planning and specifically demand management during drought but also throughout the variability of the water cycle.