Program to build next generation of leaders in central west Queensland

August 12, 2021

• Drought Resilience Leaders pilot launched in central west Queensland today.
• Young and emerging leaders in Maranoa are encouraged to apply.

Young farmers in Central West Queensland will have the chance to build their drought resilience and preparedness skills through leadership development under the Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Leaders program.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the program was an opportunity for Maranoa farmers to not only build their drought preparedness, but to ensure their communities benefitted as well.

“Today we’re launching this program in central west Queensland so our future leaders can play an active role in helping to build drought resilience and preparedness,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, the Drought Resilience Leaders program gives farmers and regional community members the chance to build local drought resilience.

“This program will foster a new generation of young and emerging leaders and encourage a new culture of information-sharing among agricultural communities on one of the biggest challenges facing central west Queensland’s farming communities – the inevitability of future droughts.

“This is a brilliant opportunity for young farmers and changemakers in Maranoa to gain the knowledge and skills to become the next generation of leaders.”

“I encourage young and emerging leaders in Maranoa who are passionate about their sector and committed to driving significant change in their community to apply to be part of the Leaders program.”

The Drought Resilience Leaders program is part of the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund. The Fund provides $100 million each year to help Australian farms and communities prepare for the impacts of drought.

Even more Maranoa changemakers will have access to the program from September, with applications to open across the remaining 10 regions involved in the program, including South West Queensland.

Applications for leadership development in central west Queensland are to be made to the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation by 21 September 2021.

For more information, including eligibility criteria, or to apply visit https://rural-leaders.org.au/our-programs/drought-resilience-leaders/.

Fast Facts:

• The Drought Resilience Leaders is a program under the $5 billion Future Drought Fund.
• For more information about the Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Leaders program and other FDF programs visit the https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund/drought-resilience-leaders.
• This is the second pilot region to open, with a further ten regions to be opened for applications in September.