Joint Agency Drought Taskforce

Assistance for farmers, their families and rural communities

Farmers, their families and their communities can access a range of government services and support to help them manage during times of drought and prepare for future conditions.

People are encouraged not to self-assess their individual situation, but to seek advice from an expert.

Visit FarmHub to access information about the drought support and services available.

You can also access information from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website.

The Prime Minister has stated the drought is one of his top and immediate priorities for the Government. On 19 August 2018, the Government announced the appointment of a Coordinator-General for Drought, Major General Stephen Day, DSC, AM. To support this work the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has established a Joint Agency Drought Taskforce in the Prime Minister’s department led by Major General Stephen Day.

The Prime Minister has also appointed a Special Envoy for Drought Assistance and Recovery, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP to listen to affected communities so he can feed back a deeper picture of the human and economic impact of the drought, including positive examples of resilience. The Special Envoy for Drought will provide advice to the Prime Minister about the impact of relief efforts, including the performance of Government service delivery and advise about proposals that might be emerging from the community.

Read the Terms of Reference for the Coordinator-General for Drought.

Key Dates & Progress

Coordinator-General’s travel and meetings

March

7 March, 2019 – Cunnamulla, Queensland – Attended an Australian Government drought support information session with Minister Littleproud, Bruce King, CEO of the Regional Investment Corporation and the local Mayor, Lindsay Godfrey at the Paroo Shire Town Hall. Local farmers and community members attended.
1 March, 2019 – Sydney, New South Wales and teleconferences - Participated in consultation sessions with representatives from the ACT, Tasmanian, Western Australian and Northern Territory state government to inform a Commonwealth Strategy for Drought Preparedness and Resilience. Participated in a drought roundtable hosted by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud.

February

26 - 28 February, 2019 – Mudgee and Orange, New South Wales - Meetings with the Mayor of Mudgee and local councillors and with local farmers and industry representatives from the surrounding local government areas. Also visited a farming property to gain an understanding of local conditions and innovation in farming practices. Attended the opening of the Regional Investment Corporation Office in Orange.
25 February, 2019 – Brisbane, Queensland – Meetings with AgForce Queensland and the Queensland Drought Commissioners to inform a Commonwealth Strategy for Drought Preparedness and Resilience.
22 February, 2019 – Brisbane, Queensland – Met with the Country Women’s Association to discuss drought response efforts.
21 February, 2019 – Dirranbandi, Queensland – Toured a local farm and met with a number of livestock producers from the area. Meetings with local industry representatives, health service providers, local business owners and members of the community, and with the Mayor of Balonne Shire, Richard Marsh and councillors.
19 February, 2019 – Participated in consultation sessions with academics to inform a Commonwealth Strategy for Drought Preparedness and Resilience.
13 February, 2019 – Canberra, Australian Capital Territory – Met with the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison and the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud to provide an update on the drought response.
12 February, 2019 – Swan Hill, Victoria – Met with the Mayor of Swan Hill, councillors, community members and farmers from Swan Hill and surrounding local government areas. Also visited a farming property to gain an understanding of local conditions and innovation in dryland farming practices.
6 February, 2019 – Narrabri, New South Wales – Met with the Mayor of Narrabri and attended the drought community outreach event, which connected farmers and members of the community with government and charity support.
5 February, 2019 – Moree, New South Wales – Visited a farm in Mungindi and met with local farmers, businesses, the Mayor, local council members and industry representatives.

Coordinator-General's latest travel and meetings