Central Highlands
The Central Highlands region includes the traditional lands of the Eastern Maar, Wadawarrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples and the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Nations, as well as other Traditional Owner groups in Victoria who are yet to receive formal recognition.
The region is home to several important national and state parks, including part of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. It also has many wetlands which provide critical habitat for native species, including the Ramsar-listed Lake Corangamite, Australia’s largest permanent saline lake.
Most land in the Central Highlands is classified as grazing and dryland cropping and the region is a major food producer – known for its grape, wine and beverage products attracting significant agri-tourism.
The Central Highlands Drought Resilience Plan was produced collaboratively by a wide range of local residents, groups and organisations. A Drought Resilience Reference Group was established to steer the Plan’s development and included the Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner groups and key stakeholders with expertise in agriculture, health, regional development, water, governance, community and environment.
Implementing activities in the Central Highlands
Commerce Ballarat is the Phase One Plan Coordinator for the Central Highlands region, receiving a $380,000 Implementation Grant to coordinate and deliver resilience building activities across the region.
Commerce Ballarat have delivered 5 activities:
- Farmers Fitness – a health and wellbeing program for Central Highlands farmers. The program combines physical exercise, mental and physical health education and social connection to reduce isolation and encourage help-seeking, peer support and adaptive behaviours for long-term drought resilience. Delivered by Federation University, the program will also deliver a research report to facilitate opportunities for future funding.
- Agribusiness Farm Expo – a forum to share drought resilience knowledge, showcase practical solutions and encourage collaboration, with industry experts and keynote speakers presenting region-specific information on topics such as water-wise farming, biosecurity, financial counselling, and farm safety.
- Forage & Feast 2026 – a month-long celebration (January-February 2026), showcasing all that is made, grown and produced in the Central Highlands, featuring artisan growers, producers, makers and hospitality across the region’s 6 Shires. The event promotes and increases knowledge and appreciation of local produce and businesses.
- Resilient agriculture report – exploring diversification opportunities and outlining ways to attract investment and support agricultural growth in the region, through a detailed study and gap analysis. Factors considered include natural and built assets in the region, the impacts of drought and climate change, and opportunities for value-added agriculture.
- Agri business development – Regional Tech Hub, Know Your Numbers, Re-imagining Retail and Industry Chats – supporting the resilience of Central Highlands growers, producers, and related businesses through a series of workshops and other events focused on digital connectivity, collaboration and networking, income diversification, and drought-resilient financial management.
