Regional Drought Resilience Plan
The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is a grant program funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and administered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The program aims to build capability and empower regional communities to plan and act early to reduce and respond to drought risks.
Singleton Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council, and Upper Hunter Shire Council have worked together to actively engage and consult with our communities across the Region to collaboratively develop a robust, community-led drought resilience plan tailored to our unique needs. The project aspires to create lasting resilience by equipping the Region with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to successfully navigate drought-related challenges.
Through our extensive community consultation, we gathered insights, feedback, and aspirations from local residents, farmers, Wanaruah/Wonnarua communities, mining industry partners, businesses, and other key stakeholders to inform the plan. Reflecting on lessons learned from past droughts, our experiences were captured as data and modelled as actionable strategies for implementation. This has ensured a multistage stakeholder approach with shared responsibility for the intended outcomes of:
- growing the self-reliance and drought resilience of our communities including our agricultural sector and related industries
- improving natural capital of agricultural landscapes for better environmental outcomes
- strengthening the wellbeing and social capital of our communities.
Phase 1 of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, utilising the first $200,000 portion of the $450,000 total grant funding available, is now close to completion. Phase 1 has developed the Regional Drought Resilience Plan in two stages, including a comprehensive process involving desktop analysis and resilience assessment of existing strategies and plans across the consortium, as well as extensive community engagement through a "Have Your Say" survey online, “main street” walks talking to businesses, targeted phone interviews, and in-person workshops within each of the three Local Government Areas. The project's approach centred on inclusivity, ensuring that the community's voice has guided the process. This participatory method has led to a comprehensive and dynamic drought resilience plan that is deeply rooted in the aspirations and needs of our communities.
The draft Regional Drought Resilience Plan has been independently reviewed by CSIRO, and the final Plan was submitted for ministerial approval and publication on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website on 31 October 2024.
Upon ministerial approval of the Plan, Phase 2 of the project would begin implementation of the actions identified in Regional Drought Resilience Plan, subject to funding approval by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for the remaining $250,000.
View the Regional Drought Resilience Plan
View the Summary Booklet