Plan is out, but detail is lacking

They are: Water and Agriculture, Community Wellbeing, Resilient Businesses and Economies; Infrastructure and Technology; and Governance, Knowledge Sharing and Skills Development.

The plan, which was released last month, is inviting submissions and feedback, closing on Friday (May 17).

It was commissioned after the councils last year received a $560,000 allocation from the government’s Future Drought Fund.

The priorities listed under each theme are:

• Water – Sustainable and improved functioning of agricultural landscapes, and building partnerships and engagement between stakeholders managing natural resources.

• Agriculture – Improved access to new and existing knowledge and technology to enable more effective responses to risks such as drought. Increase primary producers’ knowledge of new and existing NRM practices.

• Community wellbeing – Stronger connectedness and greater social capital within communities. Increased number and participation in local networks and programs to enhance drought resilience.

• Resilient businesses and economies – Strong local voice in future vision for the region. Develop a Regional Economic Diversification Strategy.

• Infrastructure and technology – Adapt and repurpose infrastructure to meet community needs, with improved access to and greater utilisation of community infrastructure.

• Governance, knowledge sharing and skills development – Communities better understand their resilience to drought, implement transformative activities that improve this resilience, and build local leadership, networks and social support.

The plan has been developed by Edward River, Berrigan Shire, Murray River and Federation Councils “to enhance resilience and mitigate the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters”.

In a joint statement, the council mayors said: “We firmly believe this document highlights not only the synergies between our four communities but the fact our councils are often called upon to assist each other in times of crisis and as such we have developed highly effective working relationships. This plan is our ongoing commitment to that collaboration."

The councils said drought is an ongoing challenge expected to continue impacting the Southern Riverina region into the future.

“Recognising its multifaceted impacts on society, environment and economy, regional councils are committed to preparing and developing a robust community to mitigate these effects and expedite recovery,” the joint statement read.

“This plan underscores the importance of collective action and community resilience.”