Regional Drought Resilience

Western Australia has a history of drought and drying climate, and it is vital that effective, community identified solutions are developed to mitigate its effects.

Drought is a feature of current and future climate change impacts.

The Future Drought Fund (FDF) set up by the Australian Government invests $100 million annually into projects across Australia to strengthen regional drought resilience.

The Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) Program is one of eight foundational programs under the FDF and was delivered in three pilot regions (Mid West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern) in partnership with the WA State Government.

The program supported regional organisations, local government, communities and industry to partner to develop Regional Drought Resilience Plans.

To find out more visit Future Drought Fund - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)

In the Mid West, two Regional Drought Resilience Planning programs are in action including:

1. Pilot Region encompassing the City of Greater Geraldton, Shire of Chapman Valley and the Shire of Northampton. 

   The Commission partnered with NACC NRM, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and three local governments (Greater Geraldton, Chapman Valley and Northampton) to develop its plan, to identify and guide actions to build the pilot areas’ resilience to future droughts, with a focus on agriculture and allied industries.

   A detailed Drought Vulnerability Assessment (DVA) was undertaken to explore aspects of exposure, sensitivity, impact and adaptive capacity and how these affect vulnerability and resilience to drought in the region.

   Developing the DVA involved regional organisations, local government, academic professionals, community, industry and other key drought stakeholders coming together to share and consolidate experience, scientific data, local knowledge and expertise.

   With the added contribution of technical and project advisory groups, the DVA formed the foundation for the Plan.

   The Commission has completed the Regional Drought Resilience Pilot Plan for the Northern Wheatbelt of the Mid West region. The Plan was reviewed by CSIRO on behalf of Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for consideration and implementation funding.

2. Extension Region encompassing the Shires of Carnamah, Coorow, Irwin, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs in the North Midlands region.
   The Commission, in partnership with DPIRD, has completed a draft Regional Drought Resilience Plan for the North Midlands, as part of the RDRP Program.
   
   Available here: DRAFT Regional Drought Resilience Plan for the North Midlands region
   
   Consultation

   A comprehensive stakeholder engagement process was undertaken during 2024-25, informing the development of the draft plan.

   The Commission is now seeking feedback from stakeholders and technical experts on the draft plan via the survey.

   Consultation opens on Tuesday 25 March 2025 and closes on Thursday 3 April.

   Feedback will be considered and incorporated into final documents in 2025.

   
   Have your say - complete the survey now

   
   Important links

   About the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program 

   Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - Future Drought Fund