We are a collaborative initiative designed to build the capacity of farmers, rural businesses, and communities to adapt to the challenges of drought and climate change.
Southern NSW Innovation Hub is hosted by Charles Sturt University and is one of eight hubs funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, providing a vital link between research, technology, and real-world impact.
We aim to strengthen southern NSW’s ability to adapt to a changing climate by promoting the adoption of innovative practices, advanced technologies, and new systems. By leveraging our extensive network of partners, we offer solutions tailored to the unique challenges of our region.
Our work focuses on four key areas to enhance drought resilience:
Since our inception in 2021, the Hub has contributed significantly to a number of projects that are increasing farmers’ climate resilience, improving soil health, promoting water-efficient farming, and enhancing community planning for drought preparedness. Our efforts have helped raise over $30 million in co-investment for projects that directly benefit the region’s farmers and communities.
Read our impact case studies to see what we're achieving for farmers, communities, and the innovation ecosystem in southern NSW.
Southern NSW Innovation Hub acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We acknowledge all of the Aboriginal nations across southern NSW, including their deep and abiding connections to Country. We acknowledge the history of this land and the stories of resilience and survival that make up Indigenous Australia. We give thanks to Aboriginal Elders and knowledge keepers of each generation, including the many Aboriginal communities that contribute to the life of our regions.
Our geographical boundary encompasses the Macquarie River catchment, including its upper reaches, irrigation areas, and lower Darling River areas. It extends to the Hunter catchment’s western and southern edges, near the Sydney Catchment and Hawkesbury River mouth. The southern and western boundaries align with the Victorian and South Australian borders.

Our region’s farming systems encompass all the major agricultural sectors – aquaculture, wine, dairy, grain, cotton, livestock, horticulture, and many emerging industries – and cover diverse geographical features and climatic variations, intensive and extensive systems, and dryland and irrigated production.
Whether you are a farmer, researcher, or community member, we invite you to explore how the Southern NSW Innovation Hub can support your journey towards a more resilient future. Discover our projects, attend our events, or sign up to our newsletter to stay across the latest.