Victoria’s Drought Preparedness and Response Framework
The Victorian Government uses a Drought Preparedness and Response Framework to guide it in making informed and measured decisions about how best to support our farmers, businesses and communities manage and recover from the impacts of drought.
The Victorian Framework has been informed by national reforms to drought policy over the past decade. The following policy points are reflected in the Framework:
- The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments do not make drought declarations.
- A flexible approach is used to provide drought support that draws on seasonal, economic and social information and with an increased emphasis on measures that build community and industry preparedness.
- Drought is a business risk that farmers, industries, communities and other businesses should actively prepare for and adapt to.
Features of the Victorian Government Drought Preparedness and Response Framework
The Framework aims to help the farmers, industries and communities to be better prepared for and capable of responding to difficult seasonal conditions. The assistance programs and services provided will complement those already available through the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.
The Framework is designed so that support can be escalated as dry seasons continue and impacts are felt more widely on farmers, families and the surrounding community.
Clear principles and priority focus areas will guide support that is well-planned and strategic. A staged-approach and a robust monitoring of seasonal conditions allows government to deliver a more informed, tailored response to local communities.
The Framework has been developed with the following policy considerations:
- The Victorian Government respects and acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community and will support their self-determined drought-related priorities.
- Victoria’s regions, climates, industries and communities experience the cumulative impacts of drought and other challenges differently. The Victorian Government considers this diversity and aims to provide the right support at the right time.
- The development and delivery of drought support is to be evidence based, occur where there is a clear role for government, and will be co-designed where appropriate. Support will be based on need, not activated by drought declarations.
- The government will avoid providing support that distorts markets.
- Additional drought support will be considered in the context of existing Victorian Government services and programs as the first option before considering new programs.
- Victorian Government support will complement what is available through the Commonwealth Government.
- The Victorian Government recognises that adjustment to drought is difficult for individuals, families and communities and is committed to supporting health and wellbeing and local economies.
The National Drought Agreement 2024-29
Victoria’s Drought Framework has been informed by the National Drought Agreement (NDA) 2024-2029. The NDA explains how the Victorian, Commonwealth and other state and territory governments will work together to support Australian agriculture and rural communities to prepare for, manage through, and recover from drought.
The NDA encourages a consistent, collaborative approach to drought across the country with 9 key principles. The principles guide preparedness, response and recovery. To summarise some principles, they prioritise:
- partnering with First Nations Peoples, communities and peak organisations when developing and delivering drought policies and programs
- supporting long-term preparedness, sustainability and resilience of farm businesses and communities
- support that is provided should avoid market distortions and eligibility should be based on need, not activated by drought declarations.
- recognising the health and wellbeing impacts of drought
- clarifying the roles and responsibilities of different jurisdictions
- recognising the contributions stakeholders make to drought policy and programs
- seeking to reduce gaps and duplication in program delivery