Which stakeholder group do you represent?
Please select the state/territory you are based in.
Would you like to continue with the survey?
Is the Australian Government’s approach to drought across the drought cycle clear in the draft plan?
Why or why not?
The Drought cycle does come up multiple time throughout the document with explanation of how each phase will be address. Hopefully this approach recognises that each agricultural region and industry is affected by drought differently and it will provide flexibility in decision-making to accommodate the unique nature of each drought. This policy approach acknowledges that farming is a business, and drought is one of many business risks that should be planned for and managed. It reflects that farmers are responsible for making decisions about how to manage their businesses across the drought cycle.
Is the draft plan clear as to why the Australian Government’s drought policy and response is different to that for natural disasters?
Why or why not?
Recognising that drought is not a natural disaster, requires a different approach, therefore drought policy requires being focused on building resilience and enabling farmers to be prepared. The reactive approach to natural disasters is very different to the ongoing future proofing required to be resilient to drought and ongoing drought conditions. The drought policy needs to over time increase the drought resilience of farmers by enabling preparedness, risk management and financial self-reliance, while at the same time ensuring an appropriate safety net is always available to those experiencing hardship. This approach recognises there can be times when even the most prepared and resilient may also need support which is very important for communities to recover from extended periods of drought.
Does Pillar 1 – Evidence based decision-making provide greater clarity about when, why, how and what the government will consider when determining its response to drought?
Why or why not?
Access to planning information and tools is crucial for making informed decisions about drought and climate risks, and for taking proactive steps to manage drought. Farm Business Resilience and Regional Drought Resilience Planning, to improve the capacity of farming businesses and support regional communities to make decisions that better manage climate risks including drought will help evidence-based decision making. The Bureau of Meteorology providing high quality forecasts and information to assist farming businesses, communities and government to plan. The Australian Government implementing a drought response framework to support its own preparedness, planning and response to monitor drought conditions and impact to support proactive government decision-making. All of these initiatives will help provide greater clarity when determining responses to drought.
Does Pillar 2 – Strategic drought support provide greater clarity about how the Australian Government will respond across the drought cycle, including what support it will not provide?
Why or why not?
Providing incentives and tools to farming businesses aimed at improving their capacity to manage financial fluctuations caused by environmental and market conditions enables better preparedness and risk management. Better management of natural resources on-farm can support drought resilience. For example, increasing groundcover can improve soil health and its ability to more effectively capture and store water, making it available to pastures during dry times. Ongoing financial support for the Climate Smart Agriculture Program will over time create more resilience across the landscape as farmers go through the drought cycle. Ongoing support for environmental resilience outcomes through a range of Future Drought Fund programs, and the development and adoption of drought-resilient farming and land management practices will help to manage natural resources and contribute to building drought and climate resilience at scale. Promoting and providing funding for innovation and adoption through trials, training and upskilling.
Providing economic and social support during droughts is critical for farms and community during hardship. Programs and services to enable financial self-reliance and mental health support as well as programs that promote community wellbeing and investment in regional infrastructure. Facilitating recovery by preparing for drought, and making sound business decisions during drought, can lead to improved recovery outcomes. Supporting strong farming community networks and local leadership ahead of drought plays an important role in drought recovery.
Have you identified any gaps in how we have responded to any of the review recommendations in the draft plan?
Why or why not?
Drought is not just an issue for farmers and their communities to deal with. Governments, industry groups, financial and professional services sectors, research organisations, First Nations people, charities and not-for-profit sector also have a role across the drought cycle. The drought policy reflects the importance of stakeholders working together to address the challenges of drought and our changing climate. We consider the plan to be comprehensive and include a range of strategies for everyone involved in drought resilience to become more prepared for the next event.