Time to talk about drought
A delegation preparing for Victoria’s next drought was recently in Mildura to build their knowledge of the region and discuss projects designed to strengthen drought resilience and foster agricultural innovation.
It was the first time the Future Drought Fund hubs advisory committee, the Victoria Drought and Innovation Hub and its partners, and senior representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry had gathered in the region.
The three-day visit was hosted by the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, which is leading the Victoria Hub’s North-West Irrigated Horticulture node.
Delegation at a site visit near Mildura.
Hub director Professor Michael Tausz said he had been impressed by the projects showcased and the diverse and active collaboration between partners and other stakeholders.
One of the most striking features of this tour was the variety of activities that the Hub and our regional partners are undertaking, and the variety of industries involved,” Michael said.
The Hub is not about responding to drought; it’s about building drought resilience and preparedness for drought. It’s a bit difficult to talk about drought in years like this or the last one, but that’s actually exactly the right time to prepare for the next dry seasons.
"Many of the projects we discussed, and others across the state, are a first in terms of what collaborations were pulled together to undertake them."
FDF hubs advisory committee members Bronwyn Harch, Caroline Welsh, Dale Park, Brent Finlay (Chair) and James Rowe with Victoria Drought and Innovation Hub director Michael Tausz.
Mallee Regional Innovation Centre CEO Rebecca Wells said the 29 November to 1 December program included a tour of the Merbein Irrigation District, Lower Murray Water treatment plant, Seaway Intermodal, SuniTAFE Smart Farm, Agriculture Victoria Smart Farm, and a visit to a farm in the Millewa.
"The visit was a great way to build the delegation’s knowledge of horticulture and allowed us to demonstrate the many projects we are working on, including the Horticulture Skills Capacity Framework, a blue green algae project that’s under development, Drought Management for the Health and Longevity of Perennial Horticulture Plants, and the bee surveillance project,” Rebecca said.
"It was also an opportunity to talk about the drought consultations we have been undertaking in the region. There are new ideas coming out of the conversations we are having, and they will help to shape the work we will be doing.
One of the biggest messages we’re hearing is drought isn’t something you pick up and put down – we should be looking at it all the time. We will continue to engage with various groups and people, so please come and talk to us if you are interested.
MRIC CEO Rebecca Wells and FDF hubs advisory committee Chair Brent Finlay.