The following principles will be applied when determining the terms and conditions of temporary access to the drought reserve:

• the drought reserve will be available for consumptive use during periods of water shortage;
• the Government will maximise the return on the water held on behalf of the community;
• beneficiaries of the drought reserve will be required to pay costs associated with the drought reserve;
• the reserve price for temporary access should promote the efficient use of scarce resources, reflect the other costs associated with the drought reserve paid by beneficiaries, and be set with regard to the value of water during periods of scarcity; and
• if there is competition for access to the drought reserve, water will be made available through a competitive process, such as Watermove, offered at the reserve price.

These principles will be evaluated as part of the Strategy review in 10 years.