When released in April for public exhibition, some in the community raised concerns the Southern Riverina Regional Drought Resilience Plan did not take a strong enough stance on protecting communities from government water buybacks.
But during the extended public consultation period, Edward River Council received no formal submissions.
Therefore it was adopted without alterations by the newly elected council at its meeting last week.
The Southern Riverina Regional Drought Resilience Plan was developed by a collaborative effort involving Edward River Council, Murray River Council, Berrigan Shire Council, and Federation Council.
It is designed to enhance the region’s resilience to the long-term impacts of drought.
The plan aims to equip the region with the tools necessary to address the ongoing challenges posed by drought.
Its comprehensive objectives focus on understanding how drought events affect local communities and economies, and it outlines actionable steps that can be taken by local, state, and federal governments, as well as community members.
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall said the plan reflects the aspirations of the community - prioritising sustainable landscapes, connectedness among residents, improved community wellbeing, resilient local businesses and economies, and effective governance that fosters knowledge sharing and skills development—even amidst drought challenges.
"Drought is something we all know is a challenge for our region, and it’s going to be with us for the foreseeable future,” he said.
“This Southern Riverina Drought Resilience Plan is all about helping our community prepare for and bounce back from its impacts.
“Resilience is key in our rural areas - it brings us closer together and strengthens our ability to navigate whatever the seasons throw our way."
The 60+ page document has five key themes, each with priority outcomes.
The priorities listed under each theme are:
• Water – Sustainable and improved functioning of agricultural landscapes, and building partnerships and engagement between stakeholders managing natural resources.
• Agriculture – Improved access to new and existing knowledge and technology to enable more effective responses to risks such as drought. Increase primary producers’ knowledge of new and existing NRM practices.
• Community wellbeing – Stronger connectedness and greater social capital within communities. Increased number and participation in local networks and programs to enhance drought resilience.
• Resilient businesses and economies – Strong local voice in future vision for the region. Develop a Regional Economic Diversification Strategy.
• Infrastructure and technology – Adapt and repurpose infrastructure to meet community needs, with improved access to and greater utilisation of community infrastructure.
• Governance, knowledge sharing and skills development – Communities better understand their resilience to drought, implement transformative activities that improve this resilience, and build local leadership, networks and social support.
Once the plan is adopted by each partner council, it will be submitted to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for approval. If approved, implementation will commence.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the NSW State Government under the Future Drought Fund, with the combined councils allocated $560,000.
Approximately $210,000 has been spent already, leaving $350,000 for the development of the implementation plan and engaging with the commencement of delivery.
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