Temora & Bland Shire Drought Resilience Plan
Temora & Bland Shire Drought Resilience Plan
Implementation Projects and Reports
Temora Shire Council, in partnership with Bland Shire Council, has delivered the Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) and a series of implementation projects to strengthen the region’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from drought.
The original Drought Resilience Plan was developed through a program, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the NSW Government under the Future Drought Fund. The planning phase focused on understanding how drought impacts not only agriculture, but also local businesses, communities and essential services across both shires.
Through community consultation, data analysis and stakeholder engagement, the plan identified key priorities to improve economic, social and environmental resilience. Importantly, it recognised that drought resilience is about more than water, it is about strong communities, adaptable businesses, and sustainable systems.
Download the Temora & Bland Shires Regional Drought Resilience Plan 2023(PDF, 6MB)
From Planning to Action
Following completion of the plan, Temora and Bland Shire Councils secured further funding to deliver a range of practical, on-ground projects aligned to the priorities identified through the planning process.
These implementation projects were been completed throughout 2025-2026, with final reports and supporting materials available below.
The projects were designed to deliver real outcomes for the community, while also building knowledge, partnerships and systems that will support long-term resilience.
Implementation Projects
Activity 1 – Vacant Homes Project
This project explored opportunities to increase housing availability by identifying and analysing vacant homes across the region. The work provides insights into barriers to occupancy and potential actions to support workforce attraction and population growth.
Report:
Activity 2 – Spend Data Analysis
This project analysed how money moves into, out of, and within the local economy using SpendMapp data. The findings provide valuable insights to support local businesses, inform economic development strategy, and guide future investment decisions.
Report and supporting attachments:
Activity 3 – HR Support and Workforce Development
This project investigated workforce challenges and developed practical solutions to support local businesses. It included employer engagement, HR capability development and the design of a place-based workforce retention approach.
Report and supporting attachment:
Activity 4 – Social Connection and Community Capacity
This project strengthened local community groups and volunteer networks through targeted engagement, training and support. It helped improve communication, build organisational capacity and increase community participation.
Report:
Activity 5 – The Resilience Project
This initiative delivered a whole-of-community wellbeing program across schools and the broader community. It focused on building resilience, emotional wellbeing and connection, particularly for young people.
Report:
Activity 6 – Water Efficiency
This project assessed irrigation systems and water management practices across public open spaces, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maintain green spaces during drought conditions.
Reports and supporting attachments: