NSW Government Unveils Australia’s First Operational Seasonal Drought Forecast

By Ian Rogers

The Minns Labor Government has launched a groundbreaking drought forecasting system, marking a significant advancement in agricultural support and climate preparedness for New South Wales. Debuting in this month’s State Seasonal Update, published online today, the innovative tool aims to empower farmers and key agricultural stakeholders with critical insights to better prepare for and manage drought conditions.

Revolutionising Drought Preparedness

The new online, web-based forecasting system utilises rainfall and temperature data from the Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal forecasts, integrated within the existing Enhanced Drought Information System (EDIS). By projecting the most likely drought status up to three months in advance, the tool provides invaluable information to assist in decision-making for crop production, resource allocation, and long-term planning.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating “The Minns Labor Government is committed to empowering NSW farmers with innovative technology and resources to tackle climate challenges, ensuring sustainable practices and food supplies for future generations. The launch of this seasonal drought forecast is a significant step forward in our ability to support farmers across NSW. By providing timely information, we can help our agricultural community prepare for and respond to the challenges of drought.”

Advanced Features and Future Enhancements

The forecasting system doesn’t just predict potential drought conditions; it also offers valuable data on the certainty of the forecasts and historical performance over the past 40 years. This extensive scientific evaluation allows users to gauge the reliability of the predictions and plan accordingly.

Future updates to the system will include location-specific information and interactive online tools, enhancing the user experience and providing more detailed data for individual regions.

Forecast Panel

Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

The NSW Government’s launch of the drought forecasting tool underscores its dedication to supporting the state’s primary industries and safeguarding against the impacts of climate variability. By offering farmers advanced warning and actionable data, the government aims to mitigate the adverse effects of drought on the agricultural sector and the broader community.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to drought preparedness, which involves close collaboration with local communities and the agricultural industry to strengthen resilience against climate challenges.

Accessing the Forecast

Farmers and stakeholders can access the operational Seasonal Drought Forecast through the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.

Additionally, the October State Seasonal Update, providing the latest climate and weather information, is available here.

Looking Ahead

As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, tools like the Seasonal Drought Forecast are essential for proactive management and sustainability in agriculture. By equipping farmers with the knowledge, they need to anticipate and respond to drought conditions, the NSW Government is taking a significant step towards securing the future of the state’s agricultural productivity and food security.

For More Information

For further details on the Seasonal Drought Forecast and other agricultural support initiatives, please visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.

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NSW Campaign Urges Cervical Screening to Prevent Cervical Cancer

A new campaign launched by Minister for Health, Ryan Park aims to encourage more people across NSW to undergo the Cervical Screening Test, as over 40% of eligible individuals are not up to date with their screening.

This initiative, part of the Minns Labor Government and Cancer Institute NSW’s efforts, supports the global goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2035.

Why Cervical Screening Matters

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with 70% of cases occurring in people who are not screened or are overdue for testing. A Cervical Screening Test every five years can identify the human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of nearly all cervical cancers, before it leads to cancer.

Eligible individuals aged 25-74 years who have ever been sexually active are encouraged to take the test, even if they have received the HPV vaccination. The test is quick, simple, and available at medical centres, community health centres, and sexual health clinics.

Campaign Highlights

The Cancer Institute NSW campaign targets individuals aged 30-50 years, with a focus on multicultural communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-45 years. Key components include:

• Bilingual Campaigns: Ads translated into Mandarin and broadcast on Aboriginal stations like Koori Radio.
• Self-Collection Option: People can collect their own sample privately at a medical centre, a choice increasingly preferred by participants (up from 8.7% in 2022 to 30% in mid-2024).
• Online Resources: Information available in 10 languages to improve access for diverse communities.

Testimonials and Quotes

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“A Cervical Screening Test every five years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. This life-saving initiative can reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths by 30%. I urge all eligible people to get screened.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:
“Cervical cancer is preventable, and the self-collection option makes it easier than ever. Early diagnosis saves lives, so make screening a priority.”

Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, NSW Chief Cancer Officer:
“This year, 300 people in NSW are predicted to be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease. The Test may feel confronting, but the alternative is far worse. Take the Test and reduce your risk.”

Shanny Pyke, Cervical Cancer Survivor:
“I was overdue for my screening and later diagnosed with stage 2B cervical cancer. Don’t let discomfort or time stop you. Screening could save your life.”

How to Get Involved

Visit the Cancer Institute NSW website for more information about cervical screening: Cervical Screening Information

For campaign details, visit: Campaign Details

Make cervical screening a priority and help eliminate cervical cancer for future generations.

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NRJO welcomes its new board

The new board of the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO) met for the first time today, 8 November 2024, following the Local Government elections in New South Wales.

At the meeting, Tweed Shire Council Mayor, Cr Chris Cherry, was elected as Chair, and Ballina Shire Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Cadwallader, as Deputy Chair of the NRJO for a two-year term.

Cr Chris Cherry said they are looking forward to seeing what the joint organisation can achieve for the region this term.

“I am proud to have been elected as Chair of the NRJO by the fellow mayors,” Cr Cherry said.

“Our purposeful collaboration through the NRJO is important now more than ever.

“While we were recovering from waves of covid-19, lockdowns and border closures, our region faced the biggest flood in modern Australian history – the impacts have been devastating.

“Through the NRJO, we aim to access the programs and incentives on offer by the government that will provide our community in the Northern Rivers with the best possible opportunities to thrive.

“The Northern Rivers is our home. I know that, collectively, we will do all that we can to advocate for our community as we overcome adversity while continuing to develop a long-term shared vision for our region.”

The NRJO board membership is the mayors of the seven Local Government Areas of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed in the Northern Rivers region of Northern NSW.

They are Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Cr Sarah Ndiaye, Cr Ray Smith, Cr Danielle Mulholland, Cr Steve Krieg, Cr Robert Mustow and Cr Chris Cherry.

The role of the NRJO is to facilitate and lead advocacy, political representation and cooperative action on matters of regional significance.

“Through our strategic partnership, we can continue to focus on what matters for our Northern Rivers community as a whole,” Cr Cherry said.

The NRJO has five priorities identified for the Northern Rivers.

They are:

• biodiverse natural environments
• improved community wellbeing
• a connected region
• sustainable energy, water and waste
• a diverse regional economy

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