Feedback from local governments is being sought to build a common understanding of shared responsibilities for developing and delivering drought support.
This work by the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) is intended to drive an integrated approach to drought and to inform future policies that ensure all communities are well prepared for drought.
Key aspects of this consultation include:
- confirming stakeholder feedback on federal government drought measures and exploring further principles for drought policy;
- identifying characteristics of resilient farm businesses across the drought cycle and the various roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in supporting this; and
- identifying further opportunities to collaborate and support the adoption of actions that build resilience.
On its “have your say” webpage, DAWE has outlined its draft plan to work with stakeholders to deliver a useful and shared approach to drought support.
The department has also outlined a summary of what it has heard from stakeholders, including at the National Drought Forum on 9 June.
To have your say, use this link:
- Read the discussion paper and summary of feedback to date; and
- Take the DAWE survey and/or provide a written submission.
The department is particularly interested to hear what respondents see as their role in drought support, furthering the on-ground perspectives of local communities about the roles of others.
The survey includes the question: “Who are the other players that should be considered in building a shared approach to drought support?”.
The department would appreciate it if respondents could use the free-text box for this question as an opportunity to describe what they see the role of local governments to be in this space.
The deadline for feedback is 21 July.
Contact DAWE via email at droughtpolicy@agriculture.gov.au for further information.