Drought Plan next step for farmers

The Albanese Labor Government is preparing for drought and ready to work with farmers and their communities to manage its impact with today’s release of the new Drought Plan.  

The Drought Plan provides a clearer framework for how the government approaches drought, at a time when some regions are already experiencing dry conditions.  

The plan explains how we support farmers through the cycle of preparing for, managing, and recovering from drought.   

This support ranges from climate information, research and development, and business planning assistance, to concessional loans, tax concessions, financial counselling and income support.  

These measures are always available, and enable farming businesses and communities to make informed decisions as conditions change.  

The plan promotes better coordination of drought-related measures across governments. It is clearer about our role and delivers on our commitments under the National Drought Agreement with the states and territories.  

The plan identifies opportunities for collaboration to address the challenges of drought in a changing climate. It recognises the role of rural communities, the agriculture and finance sectors, and non-government organisations in supporting farmers before, after and during drought.

They were key to the development of the plan and will play an ongoing role in its implementation.  

The release of the Drought Plan builds on the work the Albanese Labor Government has undertaken to better prepare Australia for drought including:  

•  Committing almost $520 million towards Future Drought Fund programs over the next eight years
•  Co-signing the National Drought Agreement 2024 to 2029 with state and territory governments 

•  Releasing the Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Funding Plan 2024-2028.  

  Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP: 

  “Drought preparation is a necessity for Australian agriculture, and conditions are already drying in some regions. 

  “We expect farming businesses and communities to prepare for drought, and the government needs to be ready too.  

  “Drought affects everyone differently, so it is important that we are flexible with our planning so we can provide effective, efficient support.  

  “We have developed a comprehensive Drought Plan that explains how the government makes decisions about drought, what we will and won’t do, and lists what support is always available to those who need it, when they need it.  

  “I encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Australian agriculture to read and share the plan.”