National Survey of Water Planners

As part of the Water Planning Tools scoping research, we are currently conducting a survey of water planners nationally. The findings from the survey will be used to inform the development of a tool-kit of current best practices to engage industry, Indigenous and rural communities in water planning, and a proposal for a training and development package.

These products will contribute to water planning nationally by setting guidelines and benchmarks to monitor and evaluate collaboration in water planning and by establishing clear procedures that integrate community preferences into water planning.

The products will also contribute to regional water planning by assisting water agencies to improve water planning approaches; by helping to minimise conflicts between parties; by providing models and case studies for good collaboration; by helping develop stronger long-term relationships between stakeholders.

Survey Objectives

• Baseline state and national experience, expectations, issues and capacity gaps for collaborative planning
• Identify training needs and opportunities
• Explore common issues and identify exemplary approaches to public participation in water planning
• Inform the development of national guidelines for public participation in water planning
• Explore potential and need for specific capacity-building interventions for water planners