New venue: Armidale Regional Drought Resilience Plan Workshop at the Servies

///CHANGE OF VENUE FOR ARMIDALE NOW SERVIES////
The purpose of the plan is to consider the opportunities available to mitigate and alleviate the impacts of drought. Workshops will be held in each council area along with popup stalls between 10-13 September 2024. Visit us across centres in Guyra, Armidale, Bundarra, and Uralla. RSVP is not necessary, simply come along and contribute! Light refreshments will be available at workshop sessions. Armidale Regional Council and Uralla Shire Councils are working together to develop a Regional Drought Resilience Plan and we want your valuable insights and ideas to help prepare the plan.

Tuesday 10 September:

• Guyra – Pop up stall Kirk’s IGA, Guyra 9:00am – 11:00am
• Armidale – Servies 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Wednesday 11 September:

• Bundarra – Pop up stall Bundarra General Store 2:30pm – 5:00pm

Thursday 12 September:

• Uralla – Workshop Uralla Bowlo 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Friday 13 September:

• Uralla – Pop up stall Uralla FoodWorks 8:30am – 10:30am

Armidale & Uralla Regional Drought Resilience Plan

About the project

This Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) is a collaboration between Armidale Regional Council and Uralla Shire Council, to be developed alongside local industry and community to advance the region’s focus on its resilience to the impacts of drought.

The RDRP program is being delivered across Australia. It is one of five focus areas of the Commonwealth Government’s Future Drought Fund. These plans focus on innovative ways to build regional drought resilience, taking steps to plan now to stem the impact of future drought on our region.

The NSW RDRP program is jointly funded through the Commonwealth Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government, supporting local governments to work together regionally to plan for drought resilience proactively and pragmatically.

Why do we need a plan?

Of the climate and weather-related conditions that affect Australia, drought is often the most challenging, not just on-farm but for entire communities and regions. The costs of drought are spread across economic, social and environmental factors, and impacts can linger for decades.

We know droughts will come again. Climate projections for the region indicate increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and potential increase in the severity of droughts.

The most effective response to rising uncertainty is to plan for greater drought resilience through a range of actions. Having a plan enables us to think and act strategically, rather than on an ad hoc basis once the pressure of drought is upon us. This includes developing a consolidated approach across local government areas, recognising the strength in collaboration across communities.

What is the aim of the RDRP?

An RDRP will identify key drought resilience priorities for the region, and provide a roadmap of actions to help Councils to work together to best prepare for and effectively manage the impacts of drought, and obtain and direct funding into those things that serve our needs. This involves taking steps to support primary producers, local businesses and the broader community to bolster resilience before, during and after drought. We will collectively achieve this through a focus on connected communities, diversified economic activity and healthy landscapes.

What’s next and how to be involved in the project?

Do you have ideas or want to add your thoughts to how this project continues?

Development of the Armidale and Uralla RDRP has recently commenced. An online survey for community members, and business is now open — available at Survey Monkey

A separate in-person community engagement program will seek more comprehensive stakeholder insights to support this feedback.