REGIONAL DROUGHT RESILIENCE PLANNING PROGRAM

 

Project Overview

The Gascoyne region has an opportunity to strengthen its drought resilience through tailored, community-led and owned initiatives across the agricultural sector and supporting industries.

To start this process, the Gascoyne Development Commission (GDC) is facilitating the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) program with a focus of creating a co-designed Drought Resilience Plan by the end of 2024.

In collaboration with local partners, the GDC will help identify how to prepare and manage future drought risks and which innovative initiatives could apply for future investment.

This planning is critical to ensuring the longevity of the region’s horticultural, fisheries, pastoral and tourism industries in the face of a changing climate, particularly the impact of drought. These industries contribute a combined $442 million in 2022/23 and made up 27 per cent of the regional Gascoyne workforce.

GDC’s planning approach includes a collaborative co-design of evidence-based priorities for the region and thorough community consultation. GDC is committed to working with local partners to identify best-practice approaches for drought resilience and recovery.

Leading science researcher CSIRO will provide independent expert feedback on the plans before they’re approved by the Commonwealth Government.

Project timeline

Early 2024 | Project planning phase and stakeholder engagement

Mid 2024 | Draft Drought Resilience Plan released for public feedback.

Oct 2024 | Final draft Drought Resilience Plan due

Late 2024 | Review period

Dec 2024 | Final Drought Resilience Plan approved by the Commonwealth Government

TBA | Implementation

 

The WA RDRP program has been piloted in Mid-West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern. Case studies on these programs can be found on www.agric.wa.gov.au/FutureDroughtFund.

Community Consultation