Key information
The Drought Adoption Officer program is funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund through the Southern NSW Innovation Hub and Southern Queensland Northern NSW Hub.
The program supports landholders in the uptake of Future Drought Fund tools and drought resilience innovations at a localised, on-farm, community level.
Local Land Services has received $1.5 million in funding to deliver this program until June 2024.
Project objectives
- Increase adoption: encouraging the uptake of drought-resilient land management practices across New South Wales.
- Strengthen collaboration: building networks between farmers and land managers to promote drought preparedness and resilience.
- Provide support and guidance: offering tailored advice and workshops to ensure landholders are prepared for drought conditions.
Project delivery
The Drought Adoption Officers will be on the ground in regional areas, providing the following services:
- One-on-one advice: offering personalised guidance on drought resilience and preparedness.
- Field days and local events: engaging with landholders at events to raise awareness about drought issues and share solutions.
- Workshops: providing workshops on drought preparedness, covering topics like confinement feeding, decision-making tools, and farm planning.
- State-wide drought preparedness activities: hosting webinars and workshops to help landholders across New South Wales build resilience.
Project timeline
The Drought Adoption Officer program will run through to June 2025.
Work underway
Drought Adoption Officers are already working with landholders across the state to implement drought preparedness strategies, attend local events, and provide expert advice on drought resilience.
Key on-ground activities include:
- ongoing one-on-one support for landholders
- workshops and webinars across the state
- development of local networks
- capacity-building events.
How to get involved
Landholders can get involved by:
- contacting their local Drought Adoption Officer for personalised advice and information on drought resilience practices
- attending local workshops and webinars to learn about tools and strategies for managing drought
- engaging with the project by participating in local drought preparedness events and sharing knowledge with other landholders.
Contact your local Drought Adoption Officer
- Central West – Bonnie Mitchell | M: 0447 185 133 | E: bonnie.mitchell@lls.nsw.gov.au
- Hunter – Kate Pearce | M: 0429 900 329 | E: kate.pearce@lls.nsw.gov.au
- Murray – Martin Preuss | M: 0455 729 318 | E: martin.preuss@lls.nsw.gov.au
- North Coast – Alix Johnston | M: 0448 248 325 | E: alix.johnston@lls.nsw.gov.au
- North West – Ellie Ireson | M: 0407 222 920 | E: ellie.ireson@lls.nsw.gov.au
- Riverina – Geoff Minchin | M: 0429 842 489 | E: geoffrey.minchin@lls.nsw.gov.au
- South East – Mitch Andrew | M: 0436 681 650 | E: mitch.andrew@lls.nsw.gov.au
- State-wide – Matt Champness | M: 0457 514 605 | E: matt.champness@lls.nsw.gov.au
Funding and partnerships
This program is supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, through the Southern NSW Innovation Hub and Southern Queensland Northern NSW Hub. Local Land Services is delivering the program with a $1.5 million funding commitment until June 2024.
Contact the project manager, Nyssa Belton-Liddy:
Email: nyssa.belton-liddy@lls.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 0400 957 308
Alternatively, get in touch with one of our project partners:
Contact Local Land Services NSW
Our team welcome your enquiries, feedback and comments.
Local Land Services is moving to nsw.gov.au. During the change, you might find the information you are looking for at lls.nsw.gov.au