Community Resilience Network Meeting – The Social Impacts of Drought

Drought is coming, time to prepare communities 

Drought months in the South West are expected to increase by up to 80 per cent in the next 50 years, according to the South West Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. 

Research demonstrating the heavy socio-economic impact of drought on communities will be presented to community leaders by UWA human science expert Dr Leanne Lester at an online workshop hosted by South West NRM. 

The workshop is the first in a series designed to create a Community Resilience Network and connect communities ahead of the predicted increase in drought events. 

In her 2022 research report: Understanding the social impacts of drought, Dr Lester said drought was not just about a lack of precipitation, but a socio-economic phenomenon. 

“The impact of drought can be measured not only in loss of stock and depletion of resources, but also in deterioration of family relationships, loss of community networks, feelings of uncertainty for the future and feelings of being abandoned by the rest of Australia,” the report said. 

“Indirect economic factors which impact on social outcomes include hardship and stress over lost productivity, a declining population, disruption of social connections, loss of services to the local community and trauma associated with witnessing damage to livestock, crops, soil and native vegetation.” 

Among seven recommendations made in the report was: “Strengthening community social networks and social capital”. 

South West NRM Manager Sustainable Agriculture Peter Clifton said the aim of the Community Resilience Network will be to improve capability and collaboration between organisations and groups to reduce harm. 

To establish the network, community leaders and volunteers from a broad range of sectors are being sought in six South West shires to participate in local working groups that will champion resilience building and support services.  

The aim of the groups will be to: 

• Increase community access to suitable support services, especially early intervention tools that help to build individual and community resilience; 
• Share resources and learnings to develop partnerships across the region; 
• Develop plans to further build community resilience.  

“We have partnered with CRCs throughout the region to assist with holding a series of six meetings between February and September, 2024 for anyone interested in helping their community,” Peter said. 

“The meetings will be held online and at CRCs in Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Donnybrook, Harvey, Brunswick and Manjimup.” 

Workshop 1, with presentation by Dr Lester, is on 23 February, 2024 at 12pm for one hour. 

To find out more or register your interest in the Community Resilience Network and/or leadership training, get in touch with one of the CRCs listed above or contact Peter Clifton on 0409 680 900 or [email protected]  

This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. 

 Media contact: Kristy Hitchens 

Ph: 08 9724 2400 

M: 0436 328 454 

E: [email protected]