COUNCILS JOIN FORCES TO PREPARE FOR A DROUGHT-RESILIENT FUTURE
Published on 23 January 2024
Glen Innes Severn and Tenterfield Shire Councils together with the NSW and Australian Governments are joining forces to better prepare for soaring temperatures and dry conditions, thanks to the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) Round 2 program, which will assist councils to work towards a drought-resilient future.
The RDRP program will involve the neighbouring councils working together to develop regional drought resilience plans to manage future risks. Glen Innes Severn and Tenterfield Shire will receive up to $200,000 for the development of a drought resilience plan and $250,000 for its implementation.
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Rob Banham said the RDRP program is a critical component of sustainable regional development, that focuses on fostering cooperation among neighbouring councils to address the challenges posed by prolonged dry periods.
“The grant funding awarded to Glen Innes Severn Council and Tenterfield Shire Council will facilitate the implementation of strategic measures aimed at enhancing water security, promoting agricultural sustainability, and bolstering community well-being. Together, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and thriving region,” Cr Banham said.
The objective of these drought resilient plans is to come up with the practical solutions to support communities to prepare for and respond to drought. The development of these plans is underway and will involve stakeholder and community consultation as a key element.
The plans will present:
- historical and predicted impacts of drought in each region
- an evidence-based, triple-bottom-line strategy to mitigate or adapt to future drought impacts
- a prioritised list of actions and pathways to build drought resilience, specific to the region and that addresses the needs of the community.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the program supports local councils to partner with regional communities, farmers, and industry to prepare for the future.
“It is vital regional NSW is supported to develop community-driven drought plans that use local knowledge to develop tailor made solutions for their local areas,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The Regional Drought Resilience plans will support economic resilience and help manage drought impacts across a range of sectors and improve the way natural resources are managed in each region.”
Regional Drought Resilience plans will be provided to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) for independent review. Once plans are finalised, funding may be available to regions to kick-start implementation of identified actions.
For more information about the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/rdrp
The Regional Drought Resilience Planning program is jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Future Drought Fund.