$30 Million Drought Resilience Funding Announced

The Federal Government has announced $30 million in new funding aimed at strengthening drought resilience across regional and rural Australia.

More than $19 million will be shared across 13 projects under the Future Drought Fund’s Innovation Challenges Pilot Program, supporting new technologies and tools for farmers and communities.

Among the projects is an artificial intelligence platform designed to improve fertiliser efficiency and reduce water use through soil microbiome analysis.

A further $11.4 million will support five projects under the Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country program, developed in partnership with First Nations communities.

Initiatives include drought sensitivity mapping that combines cultural and ecological knowledge, along with wetland restoration projects designed to protect important environmental and cultural assets.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins says the projects will deliver region-specific solutions to help communities prepare for future drought conditions.