Getting ready for drought at national forum

Working together to prepare communities for the dry conditions ahead will be front and centre at the National Drought Forum in Rockhampton this week.

Hosted by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, the forum is held every two years to bring together the diverse range of people and organisations who help farmers and rural communities deal with drought.

Around 180 representatives of Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, farm industry organisations, agricultural research bodies, the finance sector, charities, community, conservation, and natural resource management groups will attend the forum and visit local farms and stations on September 26-27.

The 2023 Forum theme is ‘Building, Connecting, Partnering’.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the event will help to ensure all Australians are better prepared for drought.

“The Albanese Government is pleased to partner with the National Farmers’ Federation to host this important event, which brings together policymakers and industry to find practical solutions to help farmers and rural communities,” Minister Watt said.

“The Albanese Government strongly believes that collaboration between government, industry and the community sector delivers the best solutions and the National Drought Forum will do just that.

“Central Queensland is no stranger to harsh conditions, from drought to floods and fires, and as a Queenslander I’m very proud to have the region’s hard work showcased nationally.

“With the recent El Niño declaration, we know that drought is inevitable sooner or later across this great land, but by sharing what works, partnering with one another to solve problems, and embracing new technology, we can reduce the impact on communities and help them bounce back faster.

“From a Government perspective, listening to people is essential to ensure we get our programs right, including our forthcoming drought plan, the National Drought Agreement with the states and territories and the next phase of investments under the Future Drought Fund.”

National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Tony Mahar said drought was always on farmers’ minds.

“If farmers aren’t in the midst of a drought, they are preparing for the one around the corner. Farmers are at the frontline of climate change and they need to be equipped with the best tools as droughts become more severe and frequent.

“We’ve come a long way when it comes to drought management, but there’s still a lot left to do. This Forum plays a key role in building partnerships, finding new ideas and driving the right policies to support farmers to keep growing food and fibre in the face of drought.

“Drought preparedness, management and recovery must be a partnership between industry and the community and farmers are central to that. The way to address drought is to help people understand the current and forecasted environment and help them make informed decisions. Investment in technology and forecasting and contemporary risk management strategies are part of the solution and farmers are keen to progress these tools.”

More information about the forum is available here.