A new Australian Government drought plan

Response to the Australian Government Drought Plan
Authored by the Rural Economies Centre of Excellence

Introduction
We acknowledge the importance of the Australian Government’s Drought Plan to address challenges posed by drought and mitigate their impacts across the nation. While the plan establishes a solid foundation for addressing drought challenges, there are several key areas where enhancements could improve its effectiveness. This response outlines the need for the
Drought Plan to better integrate with broader climate and disaster strategies, expand its scope beyond agriculture, recognise diverse forms of resilience, identify regional ownership, strengthen capacity building and support appropriate regional governance and implementation.

1. Link to Australian climate and disaster plans
Integration with broader strategies and frameworks: To enhance the Drought Plan’s effectiveness, it is essential to integrate it with Australia’s existing climate adaptation and disaster management strategies. By aligning the Drought Plan with national climate and disaster plans, we can ensure a more cohesive and strategic approach to managing climate-related risks. This integration will facilitate a unified response to both drought and other climate impacts, leveraging shared resources and expertise.

2. Expanding focus beyond agriculture
Broader sectoral impact: While the plan focuses heavily on agriculture, it is crucial to expand its scope to include other sectors impacted by drought, such as water supply, energy, public health, and urban infrastructure. Incorporating strategies for these areas will help ensure a more comprehensive approach to drought management and help mitigate the widespread effects of drought, supporting overall community resilience.

3. Recognition of other forms of resilience
Supporting diverse resilience strategies: Drought resilience extends beyond agricultural practices. The plan should recognise and support other forms of resilience, including economic diversification, community cohesion, and mental health support. Strengthening local economies, fostering social networks, and providing mental health services can significantly enhance community resilience to drought impacts.

4. Identification of regional owners and champions
Regional leadership: Effective implementation of the Drought Plan requires clearly defined roles and responsibilities at the regional and local levels. Identifying regional owners and champions ensures strategies are tailored to specific community needs and there is accountability in the execution of drought measures. These regional and place-based leaders will play a crucial role in engaging communities, implementing initiatives, and monitoring progress.

Rural Economies Centre of Excellence | Response to the Australian Government Drought Plan | September 2024 1
5. Capacity building for drought resilience
Enhancing local capacities: Building local capacity is vital for long-term drought resilience. The
Drought Plan should include provisions for training, resources, and support to develop local expertise and enhance the capabilities of communities to manage drought conditions. This includes technical assistance, knowledge transfer, and the development of local partnerships to foster resilience at the grassroots level.

6. Support for regional governance and implementation resources
Strengthening governance and resource allocation: Effective regional governance and adequate implementation resources are critical for the success of the Drought Plan. The plan should allocate sufficient funding and resources to regional governance structures – including the establishment of dedicated drought management teams and support for regional planning and implementation. This will ensure regional strategies are well-resourced and effectively address local needs.

Conclusion
The Australian Government’s Drought Plan represents a valuable initiative to address the challenges of drought. To enhance its effectiveness, it is crucial to integrate the plan with broader climate and disaster strategies, expand its focus beyond agriculture, recognise diverse forms of resilience, identify regional owners and champions, build local capacity, and support robust regional governance and resources. By addressing these areas, the plan can better support
Australian communities in building resilience and adapting to the impacts of drought.

Rural Economies Centre of Excellence | Response to the Australian Government Drought Plan | September 2024 2