Published on Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 9:50:23 AM
This media release is being shared on behalf of Melissa Price, MP.
A new Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub based in Merredin, Western Australia is set to transform the way that farmers and communities prepare for and respond to drought.
The Australian Government will invest $8 million to establish the Hub with $12.2 million to be contributed by Hub members.
Member for Durack, Melissa Price, said that Hub lead, the Grower Group Alliance, would oversee the co-design and delivery of innovative projects and practices aimed at boosting drought resilience and agricultural productivity.
“For the first time, this WA Hub will bring together researchers, farmers, industry, supply chain experts, traditional owners, entrepreneurs, agribusiness and other stakeholders to take on the challenges of drought,” Ms Price said.
“Through the Hub, they will design and deliver innovative tools and strategies for Western Australian famers and their communities, boosting drought resilience and future proofing our regional communities.
“The Hub will be a shopfront for farmers to access innovative technologies and practices that enable them to be more prepared and resilient to drought.
Ms Price said that in addition to the core site at the Merredin Dryland Research Institute, regional nodes will be located in Carnarvon, Geraldton, Northam, Bunbury, Manjimup, Albany, Katanning and Esperance. This will provide extra shopfronts and increase the reach to farmers and communities with boots on the ground and creating jobs in the regions.
“The Hub will bring together organisations like Mingenew Irwin Group, WA Farmers, Farmers2Founders, Australian Women Wheatbelt East and Wheatbelt Development Commission with universities.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the South West Western Australia Hub is one of eight across the country to be established that will support development and uptake of innovative technologies and practices that improve drought resilience.
“Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs have come about through the forward-thinking Future Drought Fund – a long term, sustained investment of $100 million each year to build drought preparedness,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Drought is a natural part of the Australian landscape and these hubs will play a critical role in helping farmers and agricultural communities to be better prepared.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rose Crane 0427 587 395. Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au
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