TNQ Drought Hub
James Cook University Australia
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National Drought Policy Forum, 26 September, Rockhampton

It was a privilege for the hub to be involved in the National Drought Forum hosted by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the National Farmers’ Federation in Rockhampton last week.

The Forum involved panel sessions, workshops and discussions on the future of drought policy across Australia. Partners and stakeholders shared ideas and exchanged knowledge with the aim of creating a sustainable and resilient agricultural industry and communities in the face of an ever-changing climate.

Senator the Hon Murray Watt, took the opportunity to announce the first five Regional Drought Resilience Plans for Queensland (Fitzroy and Capricornia, Darling Downs, Burdekin and Charters Towers, Torres Strait and Cape York and South West Queensland) have been finalised to ensure Queensland is better prepared for the next drought.

The forum also allowed the eight Drought Hub Directors to meet and discuss the Productivity Commission’s review of the Future Drought Fund which reported positively on the hubs and reccommended that funding be extended by another two years followed by a mid-term review of their performance.

Image: L-R TNQ Hub Director David Phelps, Senator the Hon Murray Watt and TNQ Hub Program Communications Emily Harrington

L-R TNQ Hub Director David Phelps, Senator the Hon Murray Watt and TNQ Hub Program Communications Emily Harrington
Senator the Hon Murray Watt presenting at the forum