The consortium - which also includes the Griffith City, Leeton Shire and Narrandera Shire Council - received $560,000 in funding from the Australian and NSW Governments to deliver and implement a Regional Drought Resilience Plan.
Known as the Western Riverina Consortium, the group will develop a plan that identifies specific and deliverable actions required to investigate and alleviate the impacts of future droughts.
Broad engagement with the community will be an important part of the process.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae said forming the consortium with councils is an excellent way to achieve optimal outcomes for our respective communities and ensure we are best placed to face the challenges from future drought events.
“Past experiences have shown that drought events have severe impacts on our social, economic and environmental wellbeing and it makes perfect sense to work collectively with neighbouring councils to prepare for future droughts,” Cr McRae said.
The grouping to form the Western Riverina Consortium recognises that this region has some of the most fertile irrigated and dryland agricultural land in Australia.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the expanded program acknowledges that each region in NSW is different and needs a tailor-made approach to drought preparedness.
She said as we look to the future, we need a plan that addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by communities.
The plan is expected to emphasise the importance of strong primary industries, agricultural supply chains, businesses, community organisations, and local government in building community-level drought resilience.
“Having Regional Drought Resilience Plans that target the needs of regional areas in New South Wales will help these regional communities forward-plan for inevitable periods of reduced rainfall,” Ms Moraiarty said.
Tenders for organisations interested in researching and preparing the plan close this Friday. Go to https://www.vendorpanel.com.au/PublicTenders.aspx... for more information.
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