As scorching summer approaches, South West landholders are invited to join final drought workshop

As another scorching summer approaches, South West landholders are invited to join a growing community network preparing to face drought conditions.

Later this month the South West NRM are hosting their final of six workshops in Bridgetown aiming to build a community resilience network able to better face the drier summer seasons.

The workshops stemmed from a partnership with five community resource centres across the South West, with funding from the Federal Government’s future drought fund, with this final workshop on October 25.

It comes after a record breaking dry season blighted the region from 2023 to 2024 leading to feed shortages and concerns for farmer welfare.

Now with below average rainfall through September, the NRM said there was still some angst the upcoming summer could be as harsh.

NRM’s sustainable agriculture manager and project coordinator Peter Clifton said the previous workshops had been well received with guest speakers sparking conversation and providing clarity around the challenges and services present.

“We’ve covered enormous ground in the topics explored,” he said.

“From research insights on the social impacts of drought by the University of WA Centre for Social Impact, to personal drought stories of suffering and survival to men’s health initiatives, community development tools and financial support services for farm businesses.”

The final workshop will feature expert facilitator Andrew Huffer and will aim to collate findings to develop a framework which could be rolled out by communities facing drought.

Those wanting to register can do so at the South West NRM website www.southwestnrm.org.au or by contacting Peter Clifton on 0409 680 900 or pclifton@southwestnrm.org.au.