Forbes Shire Council, in partnership with Lachlan Shire and Parkes Shire Councils, has secured funding to deliver key projects that will strengthen drought resilience across the region.
Supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government through the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, the implementation phase will focus on four priority projects identified in the Drought Resilience Plan for Forbes, Lachlan, and Parkes Shires.
These projects aim to address the environmental, social, and economic challenges posed by drought.
The four priority projects include:
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Urban Heat Mapping This project will use tree canopy data, aerial imaging, and heat mapping to identify priority areas across the three LGAs for future urban greening and cooling measures that will help protect communities in times of drought.
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Drought Asset and Action Plans Each Council will develop a plan identifying public assets that serve as community gathering spaces during drought. These plans will also address facility and equipment upgrades, prioritise rainwater-reliant localities, and identify public shower and laundry access points, along with green respite spaces.
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Drought Management Plan for Key Recreational Water Bodies This project will focus on key water bodies across the region, outlining current recreational uses and water management challenges, and setting resilience and adaptation objectives to maintain or improve these conditions during drought.
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Drought Operational Plan for Forbes Livestock Exchange Recognising the importance of the Exchange to all three LGAs during extended drought periods, this plan will guide operations and potential upgrades to better support drought-affected stock movements as well as factors such as fodder donations and the contribution of the CWLE to social connections for producers.
The Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program acknowledges that each region in NSW is different and requires its own approach to have a real impact.
“We know drought is challenging, so we want our communities to be prepared and ready to act with plans in place,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Having community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plans, that take into account each region’s unique needs, is allowing these communities to build meaningful plans that will make a big difference.”
Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said this funding provides a clear path forward.
“Drought is a challenge we know all too well in our region, and building resilience is about more than just securing water, it’s about supporting our environment, our communities, and our local economies. This funding empowers us to take meaningful action that protects our environment, supports our people, and safeguards our local economy for years to come.”
The Drought Resilience Plan for Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes Shires can be viewed via the Australian Government website. The Plan was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement across the region and endorsed by the Australian Government.