With all of the Central West of NSW now considered 'drought affected', the Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Shires have launched a timely and coordinated regional campaign to strengthen drought preparedness, communication and community resilience across their regions, known as the Castlereagh Country.
The campaign introduces the Castlereagh Country Drought Hub, a new online "single source of truth" designed to give residents, farmers, businesses and visitors clear, practical and timely drought information in one accessible place.
Developed through the Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan, this initiative is jointly funded through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government under the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) Program. The Castlereagh Country Drought Hub brings together seasonal updates, local stories, support services, preparedness tools, community resources and council information.
It also features the innovative new Groundwater Access Toolkit, an interactive map that helps landholders explore groundwater options to support long‑term water planning and drought resilience.
Alongside the Castlereagh Country Drought Hub launch, Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Shires will implement a new Drought Communications Strategy, a region‑wide framework that ensures both councils communicate with one voice before, during and after drought.
Gilgandra Shire Council General Manager David Neeves said the campaign reflects the region's commitment to proactive, community‑centred drought planning.
"Drought affects every part of our community - from farms and small businesses to families, volunteers and visitors. With the region now in a drying period, this campaign ensures people know where to find reliable information and feel supported at every stage of the drought cycle."
Warrumbungle Shire Council General Manager Lindsay Mason said the new approach strengthens trust and clarity across the region.
"Through extensive engagement across both our Shires, our communities told us they want clear, factual and consistent communication. The Castlereagh Country Drought Hub and Strategy deliver exactly that - one place, one message, one regional approach."
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is about giving communities the tools and confidence to plan ahead and manage future drought risks.
"It's promising to see places like Gilgandra and the Warrumbungle Shires taking advantage of Government support and leading the way with innovative initiatives like an online drought hub and a dedicated communications strategy."
"These locally developed resources will help councils and communities stay informed, connected and better prepared for the challenges ahead."
As part of the campaign, Castlereagh Country are set to release a new Podcast Series developed with Dusty Boots Podcasts, where local farmers, researchers, business owners and community leaders share lived experience, practical strategies and insights to help the region prepare for and navigate dry times.
The campaign will roll out over the next two months, supported by local storytelling, community resources and the new podcast series.
Key features of the Castlereagh Country Drought Hub include:
- Local drought stage updates
- Water, business, wellbeing and community information
- Practical preparedness tools
- Links to government support
- Resources for volunteers, businesses and producers
- A region‑wide communication framework
- NEW Groundwater Access Toolkit
- Podcast series
The Castlereagh Country Drought Hub is available now at: castlereaghcountry.com.au
