2024-02-01
Today the ACT Government has published the first ever drought resilience plan for the Canberra Region, detailing a plan to prepare for the impacts of drought on food production and the environment.
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said the draft plan is a necessary step to take so that the government can continue to manage the impacts of climate change on the environment.
“We are in a deepening climate crisis. Canberrans have seen the frequency and intensity of drought increase in recent decades," Minister Vassarotti said.
"As we continue to experience more erratic weather patterns, a response is essential.
"Our new drought resilience plan been developed using the latest climate projections to prepare the territory for future drought seasons.
"It will help us to build defences and manage future drought risks across the region’s agriculture sector.
“Many would remember the devastating impact of the ‘millennium drought’ on the ACT’s environment during the 2000s. Looking forward, we need.
“Ongoing climate challenges will persist for farmers in the ACT and, as a result, a range of actions have been identified in the draft plan to enhance resilience to these challenges.
“We need drought planning to be collaborative and evidence-based to mitigate the impact of drought conditions, and community consultation is a critical component of this process.
“The Government has already been in consultation with members of the farming and agriculture community, but we also want the average Canberran to get involved.
“Canberrans can contribute to the plan by completing an online survey or attending a community information session to learn more about the plan.
"Feedback from the community will help shape the final plan so I encourage everyone to share their experience to help prepare our environment for drought.”
The ACT Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is being delivered with joint funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the ACT Government.
Consultation on the draft plan closes on 14 March 2024. Find out more information or have your say through the YourSay Conversations page.