WA's Drought Pilot: review completed, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 02-September-2011
The Western Australian Government has welcomed the release of a review into the State’s ‘Drought Pilot’, designed to move from a crisis management approach to risk management.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the pilot was a joint initiative between the Federal and WA governments and aimed to better support farmers, their families and rural communities in preparing for future challenges, rather than waiting until they were in crisis to offer assistance.
Mr Redman said the Drought Pilot Review Panel examined outcomes and implementation of drought pilot measures trialled during the 2010-11 financial year, which marked its first phase.
The independent panel considered the capacity of the pilot measures over the long-term to: improve farmers’ ability to adapt and manage farm risks; support farmers’ sustainable management of natural resources; and deliver more effective and equitable social support for farming families and rural communities.
“I acknowledge the hard work of the panel in producing this report and I hope this review will help to invigorate and inform future discussion by industry and government around drought reform,” the Minister said.
“I am keen to discuss the findings of this review with my counterparts at a State, territory and national level, including with the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig.”
Mr Redman said the second phase of the pilot of drought reform measures was currently under way in WA.
“This expanded program will allow an additional 800 farm businesses to access farm planning workshops targeting financial, managerial, natural resource management and life balance skills,” he said.
“In addition, more than 670 Building Farm Businesses grants are available to help farmers better manage and prepare for future challenges.”
More information on the pilot of drought reform measures is available from the Department of Agriculture and Food website www.agric.wa.gov.au
