Budget prepares for the next big dry

Ensuring Australia is prepared for the next drought has been confirmed as a priority in the Albanese Government’s first budget.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said now was the right time to begin preparing for future dry seasons.

“It might be raining and we are experiencing floods, but any farmer will tell you the next drought is always around the corner,” Minister Watt said.

“We need to be like any other agribusiness and prepare for what’s coming next.

“That’s why we’ve committed more than $20 million to make sure this government is prepared for the next drought.

“The development of the plan and re-negotiation of an agreement with states and territories will allow the Government to coordinate responses and have a clear path forward for the inevitable next drought.

“We will also support the implementation of drought indicators and an early warning system to allow policymakers to better monitor drying conditions and foresee when particular regions may start to experience drought-related hardship.

Several reviews into the Australian Government response to drought highlighted the need for a clearer, more consistent and coordinated government approach to drought.

Minister Watt said the funding increase will ensure the adoption of established drought resilience research, so we are ready to support farmers and communities when they need it most.

“These tools will contribute to more consistent, timely government decisions on when and how farmers and rural communities can be supported during drought,” he said.

“They will bring together data that we can verify with people and organisations who live or work in the affected communities.

“We can respond better and collaborate more when we understand the real-time impacts and future outlooks for rural communities that are facing hardship from drought conditions. 

“While the fund helps farmers prepare for drought, this measure ensures that government too has the capacity and clear plan to manage the next big dry.”