The Program requires an independent consultant(s) to develop a Regional Drought Resilience Plan that meets the listed objectives (see Objectives) to produce the required deliverables (see Deliverables) within the available funding (see Budget).

The successful consultant will:

• Address the core objectives, linked to the key deliverables for this project, and identify specific actions required to investigate and alleviate the impacts of future droughts in the region. This will include, but not be limited to, identifying future actions that address the negative impacts of previous droughts on the community, economy and infrastructure within the region.

• Acknowledge that the Murrumbidgee and Coleambally Irrigation Areas hold a pivotal role in water and environmental policy, emphasizing drought-protective and sustainable practices. Given the evolving climate variability and changing operational conditions in the Murrumbidgee region the consultant will evaluate how these factors influence water availability, usage patterns, and resilience to drought. This assessment will provide valuable insights for crafting strategies to enhance water allocation, sharing mechanisms, and drought planning tailored to the Murrumbidgee and Coleambally Irrigation Areas.

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment focusing on water management practices and challenges specific to this region to incorporate the Murrumbidgee and Coleambally Irrigation Areas (a part of the Murray Irrigation Area). This assessment will include analysing the impact of ongoing water buybacks, as outlined by the Australian Government in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan on the Murrumbidgee and Coleambally Irrigation Areas. The evaluation will include an assessment of past water recovery initiatives to understand their implications on local water users and the environment.

• Explore opportunities to enhance water efficiency, promote sustainable practices, and bolster resilience in irrigation within this area.