This program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Government of South Australia.
RDA Far North supports regional businesses, industries and communities to grow, attract investment and overcome challenges. We work with government and other organisations to identify opportunities, address barriers to growth and secure support for regional priorities.
Our involvement in drought resilience is about helping businesses and communities better prepare for and manage the economic impacts of drought. We bring local knowledge, strong business and government connections, and experience in identifying funding and investment opportunities. Our focus is on practical solutions that help businesses remain viable, diversify where possible and build a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
The Outback Communities Authority (OCA) is a statutory authority of the South Australian government that supports communities in the unincorporated pastoral area of South Australia, known as Outback SA. This is a vast area comprising around 63% of the state, housing a population of around 4000 people spread across 24 communities plus numerous small settlements, isolated properties and stations.
The OCA supports outback communities by overseeing the delivery of public services and facilities, driving improvements where needed, and advocating for the needs, interests and aspirations of residents. When drought occurs it affects communities and residents across the region, with the impacts felt economically and socially, but also in terms of physical and mental health.
The OCA funds infrastructure and social and cultural programs designed to increase community connectedness and wellbeing, which are key components of drought resilience.
Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency in the Government of South Australia.
SA’s regions are an economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians. Our focus is on expanding the key regional industries by creating jobs and boosting our economy through strong regional production and vibrant regional communities.
Our state is protected by legislation supporting primary production and clean environment, including well established natural resource management, biosecurity and comprehensive food safety and quality assurance standards.
Through its partnerships, the South Australian Arid Lands (SAAL) Landscape Board supports the management, protection and restoration of the SA Arid Lands region’s natural resources. This includes water, soil, and native plants and animals.
The region stretches across South Australia’s far north, taking in sandy deserts, stony plains, the upper Spencer Gulf and the Gawler, Flinders and Olary Ranges. It borders New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Territory and has an average rainfall of less than 200mm. It has largely intact ecosystems and biodiversity with some plants and animals found in this region not found anywhere else.
The board’s work with its partners includes protecting natural resources through the control of pest plant and animals, protection and monitoring of native plants and animals, working with pastoralists on ways to improve native pastures for production gains, and working with First Nations people on healthy Country outcomes.
The SA Drought Hub is one of eight Drought Hubs established nationally through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Led by Adelaide University in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA), the Hub drives the extension and adoption of existing knowledge and practices to build drought resilience and preparedness in primary production systems.
The Hub supports all farming sectors, including grains, livestock, dairy, pastoral grazing, wine, horticulture and emerging industries, across South Australia’s pastoral and low, medium and high rainfall zones. Its comprehensive network of 80 South Australian industry partners includes grower groups, Landscape Boards, universities, government agencies, Indigenous partners, agribusinesses, research and extension organisations, and industry bodies.
The Hub’s regional engagement and delivery model complements the Outback Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP). Through its involvement in developing the plan and participating in the steering committee, the Hub contributes agricultural knowledge and partner connections, identifies opportunities for collaboration and coordinated project delivery, and helps ensure activities complement existing Future Drought Fund initiatives to avoid duplication and add value.