Public consultation is now open to help inform the next 4 years of investment under the Future Drought Fund (FDF), which is the government’s key investment to build drought resilience. Each year, the FDF provides $100 million to help farmers and regional communities prepare for the impacts of drought.

The government is seeking feedback on the draft Drought Resilience Funding Plan and Investment Strategy for 2024-2028, which will help inform new FDF programs from 2024.

These documents were informed by stakeholder feedback to date as well as the recent Productivity Commission’s Inquiry Report into the effectiveness of the FDF.

Kim Farrant, Assistant Secretary of the Future Drought Fund, said drought is an enduring part of the Australian landscape and woven into our stories of living life on the land.

“Preparedness is becoming even more important as our climate changes,” said Farrant.

“It’s important that the work we do to prepare for future droughts is informed by engagement with those at the forefront of impacts caused by drought and climate change.

“The public consultation process will ensure everyone has an opportunity to put their views forward on how best to help Australian farmers and regional communities build resilience and prepare future climate risks.

“I encourage stakeholders to get involved to ensure we have the priorities right for drought resilience funding going forward.”

Feedback will be sought through the department’s ‘Have Your Say’ platform and public face-to-face events to be held across Australia.

The consultation process opened on 20 October and will close on 6 December 2023.

Submit feedback via: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/future-drought-fund

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