GOVERNMENT assistance for farmers experiencing drought has been topped up, with the State Government investing a further $75M, bringing the total support package to $144M.
Peak bodies including the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) said the additional support is a step in the right direction, however, some leaders are saying it does not go far enough, including State Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe.
“The latest $75 million in drought relief is welcomed for farmers in Southwest Victoria but more support is needed for farmers across our region,” she said.
Highlights of the expanded package include:
- $35.8M for south-west farmers with 40 per cent rates relief across 12 LGAs
- $2M for the Country Women’s Association to roll out food and grocery support of up to $1,000 for struggling households in affected LGAs
- $5.9M statewide support for mental health, technical advice, and debt mediation
- $6.3M fee relief to reduce business and biosecurity costs
- $15M pipeline expansion to extend the East Grampians Rural Pipeline
- $3M for emergency water supply upgrades and $2.5M for groundwater access
- $3.5M for a Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy
- $1M for Catchment Management Authorities to run Drought Employment Programs to create off-farm jobs for people experiencing hardship.
Ms O’Keeffe said, “After so much hardship, farmers have been handed financial relief that falls well and truly short of the recommendations put forward by the Drought Relief Taskforce.
“The $5,000 On-Farm Infrastructure Grant is now available, but it falls well short of the relief that’s needed for our farmers and primary producers.
“Although farmers are now eligible for a 40 per cent reduction in their rates, the Drought Taskforce established by the Premier has recommended a 100 per cent reduction.
“Despite the recent rainfalls across the state, access to affordable water and feed remains a top priority for farmers and primary producers.
“It is clear that the government is failing to hear the needs of our Victorian farmers and primary producers,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the organisation’s expectation is that the entirety of funding allocations to local councils is fully and promptly passed onto drought-hit communities.
“Our communities are hurting right now and it’s my expectation that this money goes directly to drought-hit farmers straight away and paid in full. Immediate rate relief is a good example of how that can be done and is something we’ve been calling for,” Mr Hosking said.
He said increased investment to complete the East Grampians Rural Pipeline is a welcome move and will help ensure the region is better placed to respond to future droughts.
“We’re in this for the long haul and whilst we thank the Victorian Government for their support, by no means are we out of the woods just yet. VFF has employed a Drought Support Officer to be on the ground speak to speak with farmers and rural communities and we will continue to monitor conditions and ensure government is informed to provide further support to farmers as the season continues,” Mr Hosking said.
For more information about the latest drought support, go to: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/drought-support
