By Deanne Jeffers
MUCH of southern Australia is experiencing rainfall deficiencies that indicate a drought situation. The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) Drought Statement highlights persistent low rainfall since early 2023 in areas like Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.
Last month, only 1.8mm of rain was recorded in Shepparton, according to data from the BoM. Since early 2023, many areas in southern Australia have seen rainfall totals within the lowest 5 per cent since 1900.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on the State Government to urgently ramp up drought support measures as farmers across the state face worsening conditions and the real threat of business failure.
President of the VFF and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV), Bernie Free, said Victoria’s farmers are facing some of the driest conditions seen in decades.
“Feed is becoming increasingly scarce, water sources are drying up, and financial pressure is mounting. We now have multiple dairy regions across the state affected. Without further support from the state government, we risk long-term damage not just to farming families, but to entire rural communities,” Mr Free said.
VFF Livestock Group President Scott Young said that both longer term and short-term assistance is required.
“We need longer term programs to help us prepare for the next drought. But new troughs won’t help when there’s no water to put in them today. We need serious investment in immediate financial relief, and programs that actually reflect the reality on the ground,” Mr Young said.
With the Victorian State Budget set to be handed down on May 20, the VFF said the Government must seize the opportunity to deliver immediate relief to drought-affected regions and invest in long-term preparedness and resilience.
The South Australian Government recently delivered a $73M drought package which included direct support for farmers, small businesses, and investment in water infrastructure.
The VFF says Victoria risks falling behind and without immediate action, the impacts on regional communities and the state’s vital food and fibre supply chains could be devastating.
The organisation is calling for an increase and expansion of the Drought Support Package currently targeted at South West Victoria to include Central Victoria, South Gippsland, and West Gippsland, where drought conditions have intensified along with increased and extended funding for the Farm Business Resilience Program to strengthen farm preparedness for future droughts as a minimum.
