AUSTRALIA

Science ‘has critical role to play in drought preparedness’

By Emma Koehn in Melbourne


Australian academy says draft government drought plan should boost coordination of scientific knowledge and expertise

A national plan to support communities through future drought conditions must acknowledge the role science and research play in helping Australia prepare for extreme conditions, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been told.

A consultation closed on 20 September on “a new Australian government drought plan” that outlines the investments that will be made in data tools and policies to support families financially and emotionally through future drought conditions.

The Australian Academy of Science weighed in on the blueprint, arguing that it must not ignore the role of science. “Science has a critical role in drought preparedness and a recognition of this should be included in the plan. The global science network is continually developing new tools and knowledge that offer important opportunities for us to build drought and climate resilience into our production systems,” the group said.

Better coordination

In a statement to Research Professional News, the academy said the plan was an opportunity for the government to “articulate an approach to strategic coordination on science relevant to drought and the government’s policy response to build, maintain and grow the pipeline of science and research capabilities required to enable drought preparedness”.

“This should include the science and scientific capability that underpins our fundamental understanding of drought processes and drought resilience,” the group said. “Such coordination is essential for maintaining and enhancing Australia’s drought science expertise, ensuring that critical scientific advances are effectively integrated into drought preparedness and resilience.”

Australia has long invested in projects to help understand climate patterns and forecast the impacts of low rainfall, but this work is completed across a range of separate organisations, including government departments, universities and research institutes.

“A new drought plan provides an opportunity to improve coordination between the wide variety of mechanisms in Australia for supporting research related to drought,” the academy wrote in its submission to the consultation.

Promoting innovation

The draft plan includes a focus on “promoting innovation and adoption of new technologies”, including programmes to test climate-resilient farming practices.

“This work will complement a range of initiatives across all levels of government, as well as the private sector and community organisations, that strengthen adaptation. This includes delivering science, research and evidence-based tools,” the draft report says.

The department will review all feedback on the proposal and release a final national plan by the end of 2024.