Ovens Murray Drought Resilience Plan – 2025-26 Implementation Plan
Drought is an enduring, regular feature of the Australian landscape which inflicts major financial, social, and environmental costs on farm businesses and communities.
The Ovens Murray Drought Resilience Plan (the Plan) is one of 9 regional plans developed in Victoria, as part of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) Program, under the Future Drought Fund (jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments).
The long-term objectives of the plan are:
1. Build the social capital of communities through increased connectivity, improved wellbeing, and a greater sense of security
2. Empower communities and businesses to implement activities to build their economic resilience to drought, and
3. Support land managers to improve the natural resource base for long-term productivity and landscape health
The North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) received funding from the RDRP Program to develop a 12-month implementation plan and coordinate funding for implementation activities for the following 12 months (until May-June 2026). The total funding pool available for activities is $300,000.
20 applications were received as part of the EOI process held in February-March 2025 worth over $1 million. Applications covered a broad range of drought resilience themes, with great connections with local communities and needs.
Shortlisted applications have been included in the draft Ovens Murray Drought Resilience Plan – Implementation Plan and submitted to Agriculture Victoria for approval. We hope to be able to notify applicants of the outcomes of their application soon. We are also looking for other grant opportunities for applicants that missed out, including through our Climate Smart Agriculture North East Victoria project and future drought resilience funding.
For further information please contact Ashley Rogers on 0447 422 543 or ashley.rogers@necma.vic.gov.au.
This project of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program is supported by North East Catchment Management Authority, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victoria Government.