Victoria’s Drought Preparedness and Response Framework
The Victorian Government follows a Drought Preparedness and Response Framework to guide support for farmers, businesses and communities. It helps decide how to manage and recover from drought impacts.
Key policy points in Victoria’s drought framework
This framework builds on national drought policy changes from the past decade. It reflects these main points:
- The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments do not declare drought.
- Support is flexible, using climate, economic and social data to build local preparedness.
- Drought is a business risk that farmers, industries and communities must prepare for and adapt to.
What the framework does
The framework helps farmers, industries and communities prepare for and respond to tough seasonal conditions. Its programs and services add to existing support from both Victorian and Commonwealth governments.
Scaled support as drought continues
As dry seasons drag on and more people are affected, support can be increased. This means farmers, families and communities get extra help when they need it most.
Guiding principles and focus areas
The framework sets clear principles and priorities to plan support strategically. By staging help and tracking seasonal conditions, the government can tailor its response to each community.
Policy considerations in the framework
The framework was built on these ideas:
- Respect and support the self-determined priorities of Traditional Owners across Victoria.
- Recognise that regions, industries and communities face drought differently and provide help at the right time.
- Base support on clear evidence, roles and need—not on drought declarations.
- Avoid programs that harm markets and first use existing government services.
- Make sure Victorian support complements Commonwealth programs.
- Help protect health, wellbeing and local economies during drought.
National Drought Agreement 2024–29
Victoria’s framework follows the National Drought Agreement 2024–29 (NDA). The NDA shows how all governments will work together to help rural communities prepare for, manage through and recover from drought.
Key principles of the National Drought Agreement
The NDA sets 9 principles for drought preparedness, response and recovery. Here are some of the main ones:
- Partner with First Nations Peoples and community groups on drought policies.
- Support long-term resilience of farms and rural communities.
- Base help on need – avoid market distortion and skip drought declarations.
- Recognise the health and wellbeing impacts of drought.
- Clarify the roles of different governments.
- Value stakeholders’ contributions to drought programs.
- Reduce gaps and overlap in support services.