Governments contribute $4.4m to drought resilience program

The state and federal governments will contribute $4.4 million to 2029 for the Tasmanian Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) Program’s second phase.

In the first phase, the program developed three community-led RDR Plans to identify practical steps communities and organisations can implement to prepare for, manage and recover from future droughts and climate-related activities.

The next phase will include a range of initiatives and grant programs to support the ongoing delivery of actions identified in Tasmania’s Regional Drought Resilience (RDR) Plans and to build the capacity of communities to drive the implementation of their local plans into the future.

The Commonwealth has invested $2.9 million into the program through its Future Drought Fund, while the Tasmanian government has contributed $1.5 million.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said it was one of two Future Drought Fund Programs operating in Tasmania  until 2029.

The Farm Business Resilience Program, announced on 6 May 2026, builds farmers’ decision‑making and business skills, while Regional Drought Resilience Planning focuses on investing in community-identified actions to manage drought risk.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to working collaboratively with Tasmania to ensure communities can prepare for and respond to changing drought and climate conditions,” Ms Collins said.

“That is why we are investing $2.9 million in this important initiative through the Future Drought Fund to strengthen community drought and climate resilience.

“Sadly, Tasmanians are no strangers to natural disasters and drought, and we are pleased to support and invest in the future of Tasmanian communities.”

Tasmanian Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said the program was much needed.

“We know parts of Tasmania are already feeling the effects of dry conditions and climate variability,” Mr Pearce said.

“Being prepared for these conditions, planning early and making decisions before things escalate can help ease a lot of the angst and worry when times get tough.

“Being prepared for and managing drought starts in the community, that’s why we continue to invest in Tasmanians to ensure they have the tools they need to build resilience to drought and climate variability.”