Covering both the Gilgandra and Warrumbungle local government areas, approval of a joint Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan will ensure that the proposal is implemented in the near future.

With drought not just a tragedy for farmers but for entire bush communities and regions, the plan identifies actions to prepare for increased climate variability, reduced growing season rainfall, and an increase in the frequency of drought events — with the implementation phase set to kick off in 2025, Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said.

“We know it is only a matter of time before the next drought hits, so we want our communities to be prepared and ready to act with plans in place,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Having community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plans that take into account each region’s unique needs, is allowing these communities to build meaningful plans that will make a big difference,” she added.

The plan is designed to provide solutions for planning, preparation, and response to drought resilience in the Castlereagh Country Region, Gilgandra Shire Council’s Economic Development Committee Chair Nick White explained.

“There is no doubt that the communities in the Central West are resilient — consistently facing challenges and unknowns emerging from the unpredictable Australian climate,” Mr White said.

“We are looking forward to working with the community moving forward — implementing the Drought Plan to see some really great outcomes in the preparedness and sustainability of the region,” he added.

Mr White acknowledges all those involved in the development of the plan locally as they key to its success.

“It was these workshops, survey, and drop-in sessions held across the communities within the Castlereagh Country region were impacts, opportunities, and challenges were discussed, with a view to building resilience, and being ready as a community from a social, economic and environmental perspective,” he said.

The implementation phase of the Castlereagh Country Drought Plan includes:

  • Developing groundwater access toolkit/mapping of key parameters (depth to groundwater, potential volumetric groundwater yield, water quality); and simplified spatial representation of existing groundwater users and their annual extraction limits;
  • Developing and promoting a Drought Innovation and Resilience Showcase Field Day to showcase local and new ideas for natural resource management, farming practices and innovation, as well as social and wellbeing outcomes.
  • Developing a Drought Communication Strategy to guide community and stakeholder engagement during drought conditions, which includes o Key parameters (depth to groundwater, potential volumetric groundwater yield, water quality)