REGIONAL NODE - WHEATBELT ZONE
of the South West WA DROUGHT RESILIENCE ADOPTION AND INNOVATION HUB
The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) led by the Grower Group Alliance is harnessing the power of collaboration to enhance drought and climate resilient practices and accelerate innovation and adoption and is set to transform the way farmers and communities prepare for and respond to drought.
The appointment of the Facey Group as one of the Regional Node Leads will help link the Hub to local end users by gathering and sharing knowledge, coordinating local activities and support Hub activities. Facey Group’s Agricultural Research & Extension Coordinator, Franco Renteria, has been appointed the role of Node Lead for the surrounding area.
Other Regional Node Leads across SW WA include:
- Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG) – Merredin
- South East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA) – Esperance
- Stirlings to Coast Farmers – Albany
- Southern Forests Food Council – Manjimup
- South West Catchments Council – Bunbury
- Northern Agricultural Catchments Council – Geraldton
- Rangelands NRM Co-ordinating Group – Carnarvon
The SW WA Hub has produced situational analyses covering the Wheatbelt (please click the link to view). The purpose of this document is to provide baseline knowledge of drought-related agricultural initiatives that have occurred in recent years and to identify ‘gaps’ where new opportunities could enhance outcomes in a hotter, drier climate. Topics are being ground truthed with farmers, including through Regional Node Leads and the priority topics identified. Download the priority topics lists here.
These topics are now formulating on ground activity and will continue to with each new funding round – projects that are currently funded can be found here https://www.gga.org.au/activity/drought-hub/
FUTURE DROUGHT FUND
Australia’s Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs are part of the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund. They will provide networks for researchers, primary producers, community groups and others to work together to enhance drought resilient practices within their region. This focus on collaboration will make agricultural research useful and accessible, increasing innovation and commercialisation opportunities.
To provide feedback on the above, please contact Regional Node Leaders from the Facey Group – Franco Renteria on agrec@faceygroup.org.au or 0409 868 514.
