Co-funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, the plan outlines practical, community-driven initiatives to support sustainable landscapes, economic diversification, and community wellbeing.
The mayors of Federation, Berrigan, Edward River, and Murray River shires say they can’t plan for drought resilience alone and the strong partnership was essential to build a resilient and prosperous Southern Riverina.
“This plan reflects our shared commitment to working together and building on local knowledge to create a more resilient future,” they said in a joint statement.
Federation Council mayor, Cheryl Cook said council was pleased to have worked with the Berrigan, Murray and Edward River councils with stakeholders to develop the plan.
“Obviously droughts are a critical ongoing risk and fact of life for our rural council areas,” Cr Cooke said.
"The next phase of the implementation plan contains key activities … including four workshops to be held by October this year, to focus on strengthening the region’s resilience to drought.”
The Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program acknowledged that each region in NSW was different and required its own approach to have a real impact.
“We know drought is biting Southern NSW right now, so we want our communities to be prepared and ready to act with plans in place,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Having community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plans, that take into account each region’s unique needs, is allowing these communities to build meaningful plans that will make a big difference.”
