This report is a major output of a research project entitled ‘Implementing tools to increase adaptive capacity in the community and natural resource management sectors’; funded by the Victorian Government through the Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research (VCCCAR). The project consists of several phases of desktop, empirical and action research.

This project aimed to improve understanding of the adaptation capabilities and needs of three types of government service providers and funded agencies (catchment management authorities, community sector organisations and primary care partnerships).

The paper considers the how the water issue has been handled by the press in terms of framing, sensationalism, use of language and examples of press campaigning.