Drought-Resilient Farming Checklist for Local Councils in South Australia

South Australia’s agricultural sector faces increasing pressure from variable rainfall and prolonged dry spells. Local councils play a crucial role in supporting farmers to build resilience. This checklist provides actionable steps for councils to implement effective drought-resilient farming strategies within their regions. Focus on practical solutions that empower farmers and safeguard our agricultural future.

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning

1. Conduct a Regional Drought Vulnerability Assessment

Understand the specific challenges your region faces. This involves identifying key agricultural areas, dominant farming practices, and existing water sources.

• Action: Map water-dependent crops and livestock in your council area.
• Action: Analyse historical rainfall data and drought frequency for the last 20-30 years.
• Action: Identify critical water infrastructure and their current condition (dams, bores, reticulation systems).
• Action: Consult with local farmers and agricultural advisors to gather on-the-ground insights.

2. Review and Update Local Planning Policies

Ensure council planning instruments actively support drought resilience. This might involve zoning regulations or development approvals.

• Action: Integrate water conservation and efficiency into local development guidelines.
• Action: Facilitate approvals for water storage infrastructure, such as new dams or rainwater harvesting systems.
• Action: Consider incentives for land use changes that reduce water demand.

3. Establish a Drought Resilience Working Group

Bring together key stakeholders to drive drought preparedness and response initiatives.

• Action: Include representatives from the council, local farmers, SA Water, PIRSA (Primary Industries and Regions SA), and environmental groups.
• Action: Define clear roles and responsibilities for each member.
• Action: Schedule regular meetings to monitor progress and address emerging issues.

Phase 2: Infrastructure and Resource Management

4. Invest in Water Infrastructure Upgrades

Support farmers in improving their capacity to capture, store, and efficiently use water.

• Action: Develop or partner on grant programs for on-farm water storage solutions (e.g., tanks, improved dams).
• Action: Explore opportunities for communal water harvesting and storage projects.
• Action: Investigate the feasibility of treated wastewater reuse for agricultural purposes where appropriate.

5. Promote Water-Efficient Irrigation Technologies

Educate and incentivize the adoption of technologies that minimise water wastage.

• Action: Partner with irrigation suppliers to offer discounted rates or rebates on efficient systems like drip irrigation and soil moisture probes.
• Action: Organise field days and workshops showcasing the benefits of water-saving irrigation.
• Action: Provide access to independent irrigation system audits.

6. Support Sustainable Land Management Practices

Encourage practices that improve soil health and water retention.

• Action: Promote the benefits of stubble retention and no-till farming.
• Action: Support initiatives for cover cropping and diverse crop rotations to enhance soil structure.
• Action: Offer resources on contour farming and erosion control techniques.

Phase 3: Support and Education

7. Facilitate Access to Drought Information and Advice

Ensure farmers have timely access to reliable data and expert guidance.

• Action: Develop a dedicated section on the council website with links to BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) forecasts, PIRSA drought resources, and SA Water alerts.
• Action: Host regular information sessions featuring agricultural scientists and agronomists.
• Action: Promote the use of mobile apps and digital tools for real-time weather and soil moisture monitoring.

8. Explore Financial Support and Drought Relief Mechanisms

Help farmers navigate financial challenges during dry periods.

• Action: Disseminate information on available state and federal government drought assistance programs.
• Action: Partner with rural financial counsellors to offer free advisory services.
• Action: Investigate the possibility of local council hardship grants or rate relief schemes during severe drought events.

9. Foster Knowledge Sharing and Peer Support Networks

Enable farmers to learn from each other’s experiences and successful strategies.

• Action: Support the establishment of farmer-led discussion groups and demonstration sites.
• Action: Facilitate farm-to-farm benchmarking and best practice tours.
• Action: Promote participation in relevant agricultural conferences and workshops.

10. Develop a Drought Response Plan

Outline clear steps for council action during drought periods.

• Action: Define trigger points for activating drought response measures.
• Action: Establish communication protocols for informing farmers and the wider community.
• Action: Identify essential services that must be maintained during a drought.

By systematically addressing these points, local councils in South Australia can build a more resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding and recovering from drought conditions. This proactive approach safeguards livelihoods and ensures the long-term viability of farming in the region.

Drought-Resilient Farming Checklist for South Australian Local Councils: Actionable steps for water management, infrastructure, and support to build agricultural resilience.