Intergovernmental Agreement on National Drought Program Reform

The Intergovernmental Agreement on National Drought Program Reform is a landmark agreement among the Australian government and its states and territories. The agreement aims to improve the country`s drought response and preparedness, giving farmers and rural communities more support during droughts.

The agreement, which was signed in 2013, came about following severe droughts in Australia in the early 2000s. These droughts resulted in significant economic losses across the country, particularly for farmers who faced crop and livestock losses, land degradation, and other challenges.

Under the agreement, the Australian government and its states and territories agreed to work together to improve drought policy and coordination. This included the development of a new drought policy framework, which aims to help farmers and communities better prepare for and respond to droughts.

One of the key aspects of the National Drought Program Reform is the establishment of an online hub, known as the FarmHub. This tool provides farmers and rural communities with access to a range of resources and information, including advice on drought preparedness, financial support, and mental health support.

The agreement also includes measures to improve access to finance and other forms of support for farmers during droughts. This includes the establishment of new drought loans and grants, as well as the expansion of existing assistance programs.

The National Drought Program Reform has been commended for its collaborative approach, which brings together the Australian government and its states and territories to work towards a common goal. It also highlights the importance of taking a proactive approach to drought preparedness, rather than simply responding to the impacts of droughts after they have occurred.

As a professional, it`s important to note how the National Drought Program Reform impacts the Australian community, particularly in terms of the agricultural sector. With more support and resources available to farmers and rural communities, the country is better equipped to manage the impacts of droughts, helping to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the agricultural industry.