FIVE local councils from the Central West have come together with the New South Wales and Commonwealth governments with the aim of creating a strategy to deal with drought in the region.
Known as the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program, or RDRP, the effort includes Cabonne Council along with the City of Orange, and Blayney, Weddin and Cowra shires.
Municipal representatives worked with State and Federal government staff on what became the Regional Drought Resilience Plan, with the aim of developing a range of measures to tackle water shortages in the region.
“As a farmer myself, I believe this plan is a strong example of our councils coming together to develop practical tools that will benefit all of our communities,” said Cabonne Council Mayor Cr Kevin Beatty.
“We’ve all experienced drought before, so we understand the challenges it brings for farmers, business owners, and our communities.
“The effects reach far and wide, and this plan has been designed to ensure we’re better prepared to support one another when those difficult times return.”
As part of the plan’s development process, local community and business stakeholders were sought for input, with the aim of making sure the recommendations were tailored to the Central West.
The authors also sought to make sure the plan was relevant to different areas of the region, which can experience drought in different ways.
The result is a range of measures including pre-drought planning, resilience strategies, business and mental health supports, as well as advice on marketing and communications.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said the RDRP and resulting plan were a great example of collaborative policy.
“This initiative is all tiers of government working together to help regional communities in Central West NSW strengthen their drought and climate resilience,” she said.
“At our National Drought Forum last year, we heard about the importance of having drought plans that can be tailored to the individual needs of regions, which is exactly what this initiative supports.
“We know drought is a case of when not if, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is working with our farmers and regional communities to boost their drought preparedness and to help keep them productive.”