The challenge
Droughts are a recurrent event in Australia
Droughts are well-known in Australia with far-reaching impacts, affecting communities, agriculture, ecosystems and the national economy.
In future, more frequent and severe droughts are predicted for many parts of Australia. And southern Australia is expected to experience less rainfall in general.
This pressing national challenge requires new responses to improve Australia’s preparedness and resilience before the next drought.
A broad perspective that considers the needs of different stakeholders is required to build economic, environmental and social resilience against drought.
Our response
An integrated, national approach
We are working with government, industry, community, research and investment partners to reduce the impacts of drought by 2030.
We are investing in exploratory projects, as well as working with partners to investigate ways to reduce the impacts of future droughts and build drought resilience.
Making climate data accessible for farmers
We've continued to expand My Climate View, a digital information product to help farmers improve their climate resilience. It's being developed with the Bureau of Meteorology through the Climate Services for Agriculture program, which is funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund.
Indigenous perspectives on drought resilience
We're engaging with Indigenous communities to understand what drought resilience means to them and how their cultural knowledge and insights could better inform drought strategies. A co-designed approach aims to benefit each community and contribute to our national understanding.
Grant program to spark innovative ideas/h4>
In 2023, we launched the Emerge program in partnership with Western Australia's (WA) Grower Group Alliance. Grants totalling $22,000 were split between three WA-based growers to progress ideas to improve their water efficiency.
See below for more case studies.