Table of Contents
Eleven Greater Sydney councils have partnered with the NSW Government in a new initiative aimed at better preparing public parks, gardens, and sporting fields for drought conditions.
The Local Government Water Efficiency and Drought Preparedness Program provides expert assessments and tailored resilience plans to help councils manage water efficiently and maintain healthy green spaces during dry periods.
Participating councils include Hawkesbury City, Hills Shire, Penrith, Camden, Campbelltown, City of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai, Sutherland Shire, Woollahra Municipal, Northern Beaches, and Georges River.
Under the program, each council will receive a Water RoadMap outlining strategic analysis and performance plans for water and wastewater management. They will also get assessments on the impact of water restrictions on natural turf sporting fields and recreation areas.
Councillor Mike Creed said “Our sporting fields and open spaces are central to community life in the Hawkesbury. By participating in this drought resilience program, we’re taking important steps to safeguard these facilities so local clubs, families and young people can continue to enjoy them, even during periods of water restriction.”
Tailored drought resilience plans, aligned with NSW best practice guidelines, will recommend practical actions such as optimising irrigation scheduling, using local climate data, and identifying high-risk sites needing special attention.
The program focuses on outdoor green spaces, considering factors like climate, soil health, turf needs, irrigation system efficiency, and water quality.
Jethro Laidlaw, Manager of Water Efficiency Programs at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, said, “This program equips councils with tools and expert advice to plan ahead, helping to keep green spaces healthy and accessible even during droughts and water restrictions.”
The initiative supports the Greater Sydney Water Strategy’s goals to save 38 gigalitres of water per year by 2030 and 49 gigalitres by 2040.
Councils or residents seeking more information can contact water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
