The Berejiklian government has axed the position of drought co-ordinator, less than 12 months after it was created to lead the state's emergency response to the worsening drought.

Jock Laurie, who was the land and water commissioner when he was appointed drought co-ordinator in December, was tasked with leading the second phase of the emergency response.

The state's drought co-ordinator Jock Laurie has left the role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

But, as of Friday this week, the position will no longer exist and government sources told the Herald that cabinet had not been told of the decision to terminate the position.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said an Office of Drought Response would instead be set up to "enable increased support for regional communities suffering during this prolonged drought".