The change in climate to hotter drier conditions with unpredicatable extreme events demonstrated that large farms and movement of food products over long distances would lead to local food shortages.
Growing food closer to the market allowed greater flexibility. Greater attention could be given to protecting plants using techniques such as
vertical gardens
geodesic dome covers and temperature control
aqua culture
wind breaks on the plateau -which needed to be planted in 2015 to be effective by 2030
Small farms and home gardens provided a greater proportion of food for households through the years from 2014.
There was a recognition of the need to eat food fresh to the season and produce alternative products as traditional supplies struggled with the changing climate e.g. failure of wheat based products.
Although water storage was important for many aspects of living, the need for water in horticulture influenced where and how water was stored.
Collecting water from the air was developed over the years click on AIR WATER for details.
Floods continue despite the drier weather patterns and capturing water into off stream storage became essential. Apart from the main Bellinger River, various size storage was developed on other streams.
The important factor was the storage was underground to prevent evaporation.
Many years ago the cost of labour was a problem for farmers. Changing rules allowed farmers to provide free land space for people to build their own small houses, in exchange for labour on the small farms.