What did Australia learn from the last drought? We are about to find out

As farmers around Australia brace for another El Niño, communities are starting drought preparations early to avoid the pitfalls of the past.

At a national drought forum in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia’s agricultural leaders are working on plans to help regions cope with a return to dry conditions.

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said the government would focus on droughts in regard to climate change.

“We are entering a period of much drier conditions than what we’ve seen over the last couple of years,” Senator Watt said.

“The reality is that farmers and rural communities are on the front line of climate change.

“Over the last 10 years, the average farm in Australia has lost about 23 per cent of its profit because of the effect of seasonal conditions.” 

Farmers and industry have worked alongside local governments to develop the plans, which cover community wellbeing, building skills and leadership, making local businesses and economies resilient, landscapes and collaboration.

Graziers take action

In Queensland, five drought resilience plans have been created so far, for Fitzroy and Capricornia, Darling Downs, Burdekin and Charters Towers, Torres Strait and Cape York and South West Queensland.

Only two Queensland local government areas — Diamantina and Bulloo — are drought declared, as of June 1, 2023.

But Central Queensland grazier Melinee Leather, who knows firsthand what drought looks like at her property near Banana, has already started preparations for drier conditions.

“[We are] looking at getting numbers down now, we’ve got cattle going nearly every day this week,” she said.

Ms Leather said these plans would address the issues at a local level.

“I think that’s really important, because that’s what we’ve got to remember here in Australia, we’ve got a lot of regional differences,” she said.

“If we can do this at a local level, I think there’s real power in that.”

Plans individualised

The plans, unveiled at the drought forum today, are part of a new strategy, jointly funded by the federal and state government under the Future Drought Fund.

Each region will be given $300,000 to start implementing their plans, with an additional $150,000 available for an implementation officer.

“Some of them do have a bit more of an emphasis on building hard infrastructure … some of them have a bit more of an emphasis on more environmental protection,” Senator Watt said. 

“Most of them have a really strong focus on mental health and community support.

“Farmers and rural communities do want to have the dignity of being self-reliant as much as possible when it comes to droughts.”

To further drought resilience across the country, Senator Watt has also announced $38.8 million to support the Rural Financial Counselling Service to deliver services through to 2026.

Focus on future

Around 180 representatives are attending the Rockhampton forum, but National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Tony Mahar said one event would not solve all the issues.

“We’re not going to solve drought policy here today,” Mr Mahar said.

“But it’s an important check-in because I am hearing a lot of nervousness, a lot of anxiousness a lot of trepidation about what the future looks like.”

He said drought was always on farmers’ minds.

“If farmers aren’t in the midst of a drought, they are preparing for the one around the corner,” he said.

“They need to be equipped with the best tools as droughts become more severe and frequent.”

Senator Watt said the government was putting together a plan for how the agriculture and land sector could contribute to Australia’s net zero goals.

“That will actually limit the damage that we’re going to see through droughts and floods and all sorts of other natural disasters that impact on our farming sector,” he said.