The Mid West has two community-owned Regional Drought Resilience Plans under the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Here you can see what the region is working towards, what's underway, and where things stand.
Community-owned and led.The plans are developed by the region — involving local governments, regional organisations, the agricultural sector and the community — with independent expert feedback from CSIRO. They identify evidence-based actions to prepare for future droughts and draw out regional priorities to inform investment.
Mid West (North Midlands) Regional Drought Resilience Plan
Shires of Carnamah, Coorow, Irwin, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs
Our vision
“A North Midlands region that is able to prepare for, manage through, and bounce back from dry seasons and drought, such that the individuals, industries, communities, landscapes and ecosystems within the region continue to adapt, innovate and thrive.”
An extension of the Mid West RDRP Program following the 2021-2022 Pilot. The North Midlands subregion combines the coastal Shire of Irwin with the inland Shires of Carnamah, Coorow, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs. The Plan establishes a vision and outcomes across five themes, with a comprehensive set of community-identified action ideas, a monitoring and evaluation framework, and an investment framework to guide decision-making.
Led by
Mid West Development Commission
Delivery partners
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD); Shires of Carnamah, Coorow, Irwin, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs
Locally led through a Project Advisory Group, community conversations across all seven shires, and stakeholder engagement facilitated by BlueSalt Consulting. Jointly funded through the Australian Government Future Drought Fund and DPIRD.
Where things stand
Every one of the 214 action ideas from this plan, in one place
203Identified
Ideas brought forward by the community, not yet started
5Scoping
Being assessed for feasibility and impact, or seeking funding
Farmers and farming systems in the region have continually adapted and innovated to maintain yields and profitability despite changing rainfall and temperature patterns. Building resilience from the paddock to the person — including the mental health of the agricultural community — is central to this theme.
Areas of focus
People, Finance and Business
Soils, Paddocks, Crops, Pastures and Livestock
Water, Weather, Environment and Landscapes
Knowledge, Networking and Capacity Building
Diversity and Innovation
Future Drought Fund objective: Grow the productivity and self-reliance of the agricultural sector and improve the function of agricultural landscapes through effective management of the natural resource base.
1 of 49 action ideas — tap to view
1.4
Run natural capital accounting workshops in the subregion to increase knowledge and capability, and to keep…
Run natural capital accounting workshops in the subregion to increase knowledge and capability, and to keep growers abreast of the development of natural capital
extend to this service.IncrementalScopingFunding sought
Social resilienceTheme 2
Resilient Community
The experience of dry seasons and drought can cause community members to question their long-term place in the North Midlands. This theme focuses on attracting and retaining people, growing community capacity, and strengthening wellbeing through the peaks and troughs.
Areas of focus
Attracting and Retaining People, Business and Groups
Growing and Supporting People and Groups
Creating a Healthy and Resilient Community
Creating a Liveable Region (Growing Events, Sports, Nature and the Arts)
Growing Places and Spaces
Future Drought Fund objective: Support the wellbeing of communities affected by drought.
1 of 40 action ideas — tap to view
2.17
Investigate the provision of Mental Health First Aid training across the region to help reduce the stigma…
Investigate the provision of Mental Health First Aid training across the region to help reduce the stigma attached to accessing support during times of need and to build community capacity and knowledge in the provision of on the ground mental health
dry seasons and drought.IncrementalScopingFunding sought
Economic resilience
Resilient Economy
While the region has a large economic footprint from agriculture and resources, it is also growing in diversity of economic opportunities via both natural and built assets. This theme focuses on business growth, diversification and new industries.
Areas of focus
Identify and Capitalise on Business Growth Opportunities
Support Economic Diversification and Business Development
Identify and Develop New Industries
Identify and Reduce Business Development Constraints
Build Business Training, Networking, Support and Leadership Capacity
Future Drought Fund objective: Support the prosperity of agricultural communities affected by drought.
1 of 46 action ideas — tap to view
3.35
Develop a drought resilience toolkit and plan for small businesses in the region to provide accessible…
Develop a drought resilience toolkit and plan for small businesses in the region to provide accessible information and tools to help small business plan and prepare to be
The region has a wonderful asset base of natural resources offering environmental and financial benefits. Greater collaboration between traditional ecological knowledge of First Nations people and contemporary farming practices can enhance environment and agricultural resilience.
Areas of focus
Natural Capital Management (Reporting, Monitoring and Accounting)
Reserve Connectivity and Management
Restoration and Revegetation
Future Farm Practices
Community Engagement, Education and Landscape Group Support
Future Drought Fund objective: Improve the function of agricultural landscapes through effective management of the natural resource base.
1 of 38 action ideas — tap to view
4.6
Increase carbon farming, biodiversity and emerging markets literacy and identify case
the value of non-production areas to the balance sheet (natural capital).IncrementalScopingFunding sought
Environmental resilienceTheme 5
Resilient Water Systems
The region has a shared vision to protect its water resources and assets, and encourages a shared interest and ownership of the water that is available in the region. Long-term potable water security is a subregion-wide priority.
Areas of focus
Water Conservation, Harvesting and Efficiency
Water Supply, Sources and Security
Water Usage, Storage and Security
Water Quality, Innovation and Adoption
Water Literacy and Leadership
Future Drought Fund objective: Improve water security and the responsible management of water resources.
1 of 41 action ideas — tap to view
5.6
Advocate for increased support and funding to enable North Midlands LGAs to
re-use programs.IncrementalScopingFunding sought
From plan to project
Action ideas become fundable projects through the Plan's investment framework — prioritised against feasibility and impact, and funded through the Future Drought Fund and other sources.