Reviewing Progress: Gippsland’s Regional Drought Resilience Plan, 2025
Gippsland’s Regional Drought Resilience Plan (GRDRP, the ‘Plan’) continues to provide a coordinated, proactive, and community informed approach to preparing for a future of increasing climate variability. With a clear vision — Gippslanders acting now, to be well prepared for, and capable of managing the known impacts of drought and severe weather — the region is strengthening its long-term resilience through collaboration, innovation and local leadership.
Embedding a Long-term Response to Drought
Drought brings major financial, social and environmental consequences for primary producers, agribusinesses, and the broader community. The Plan’s long-term objectives focus on building stronger social connectedness, empowering communities to drive economically transformative resilience initiatives, and supporting landholders to adopt holistic management practices that protect and enhance the natural resource base.
Central to this approach is the understanding that one of the most powerful ways to build capability is through:
building strong networks, where everyone can share knowledge at their own level,
staying connected with community,
building comprehensive feeding systems,
optimising soil and animal health,
upgrading their water supplies,
strategic business planning, and
targeted investment.
GRDRP Projects Delivering Results
Over 2024–25, Food & Fibre Gippsland and our trusted partners have delivered seven RDRP projects:
Projects 1 & 2 strengthened farmer capability through the Gippsland Agricultural Group’s Spring Field Day at Bengworden and the distribution of practical livestock management booklets for drought and extreme weather. These initiatives reinforced preparedness and enabled vital knowledge-sharing among producers.
Project 3 launched the Gippsland Ag Learning Platform, featuring the resilience podcast and YouTube channel Digging Deeper – Ag Chats with Al. Created by farmers for farmers, a digital hub fast becoming a trusted regional resource.
Project 4 delivered an Advanced Farm Managers study tour in Tamworth, supporting selected influencers from across the wool, beef, dairy, sheep and poultry sectors to explore innovative, resilient practices suited to Gippsland conditions.
Project 5 delivered the Gippsland Agricultural Leadership Program for emerging leaders, combining targeted training with an immersive study tour to strengthen community and personal resilience.
Project 6 established a governance sub-committee to improve regional coordination, developing a Partnership Agreement formalising collaboration across key organisations.
Project 7 focused on soil health and climate resilience, using data from weather stations and soil moisture probes to help farmers better understand seasonal patterns, strengthen networks, and support landscape-scale improvements.
“The impact of the GRDRP projects is already evident in the increased confidence of participants, knowledge-sharing intent, and clearer vision for our farm systems moving forward.” - Jen Smith, General Manager of the Gippsland Agricultural Group.
“People are more resilient when they’re part of a strong community.” - Simon Johnston, CEO of Food & Fibre Gippsland.
“Drought isn’t just about survival — it’s strategic adaptation. You either pay for it now or later. But you will pay.” - Chris Nixon.
“The cheapest feed is what you grow yourself. Investing in pastures is the most cost-effective strategy.” - Will Jelbart.
Looking Ahead
Continuing to build Resilience remains essential for the Gippsland community as we navigate drought, fire, flood and storms.
These projects represent a snapshot in time — milestones in a longer journey toward adaptive, innovative and future-focused farm systems. The GRDRP provides a vital mechanism and framework for guiding ongoing investment, strengthened by local leadership and strong partnerships.
These initiatives were delivered through the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, supported by Food & Fibre Gippsland, with funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government.
If you have any questions regard these projects or Food and Fibre Gippsland body of work in drought management and resilience, please contact Rod Hayes, Senior Manager, Resilience and Innovation at rod.hayes@foodandfibregippsland.com.au.
