On Wednesday, the newly formed National Recovery and Resilience Agency held it's first National Drought Forum in Toowoomba.
The forum brought together government, industry and non-government organisations to communicate and collaborate on ideas for the future of Australia's approach to managing the "creeping disaster" drought.
The NRRA was established by the federal government to help businesses and communities better anticipate and adapt to the changing climate and subsequent impacts of drought and natural disasters.
The chairman of the NRRA, the Honourable Shane Stone said the establishment of the NRRA showed a change in the way government responds to disasters and drought.
"This is the first time a federal government has established an agency that is not just here for the duration of a disaster," he said.
"The NRRA is here permanently, to deal with all hazards and all disasters, including matters like drought, and bring assurance to people who are suffering in drought."
Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the forum is an example of the Australian government's commitment to strengthening our defences against drought.
"We are all in this together and we want to hear from people on the ground. We can never drought proof the nation, but we can be better prepared," Mr Littleproud said.
"The Australian government has committed $11 billion to drought measures since 2018-19 with a key feature being the Future Drought Fund, making available $100 million each year to build resilience in our farmers, our landscapes and communities.
"Drought is a recurring feature and all levels of government, industry and farmers have a role in responding and making sure we are better prepared to deal with the next one."