More relief arrives for drought stricken farmers

A $69 million drought support package is now open to eligible primary producers in the North East and the rest of Victoria battling through drought. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced last Thursday the opening of the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program statewide, with updated guidelines based on farmer feedback and expanded eligible activities. The program, managed by Rural Finance, makes available co-contribution grants of $5000 for all primary producers across the state, with $10,000 available for eligible farmers in south west Victoria and parts of West Wimmera to help those who have been in drought longer. A previous $15.9m package did not cover pasture/crop restoration or water carting for livestock, a shortfall that Ovens MP Tim McCurdy highlighted last month. "This long overdue change will provide important relief to farmers who have been crying out for immediate assistance for water, however, I remain disappointed that there is no support for feed, which is something that will help keep stock on the farms in the immediate time," he said. "I urge the government to ensure grants are easy to access and money provided in a short time frame, and to extend them to the cost of feed." The new grant covers activities like constructing a new or upgrading existing: * stock containment areas (SCA); * reticulated water systems; * irrigation system upgrades; * grain and fodder storage; * internal re-fencing to better match property layout; * feed system upgrades; * pasture/crop restoration; and * water carting for livestock and essential business activities. Agriculture Victoria’s technical decision-making services are also now live and farmers across the state can access a free one-on-one consultation with a farm advisor to help make the difficult decisions they are facing, particularly due to fodder and water shortages. Agriculture Victoria has engaged 60 consultancy businesses in Victoria, including more than 90 individual farm advisors, who will assist farmers to take action to develop a drought action management plan. Grants will be available from the date the program opens until program funds are fully allocated or 30 June 2026, whichever occurs first. The Look Over The Farm Gate farmer mental health and wellbeing program is also now open, bringing communities together and supporting farmers and farm families under stress. The program, managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the government, will provide grants of up to $5000 for community-led events that promote social connection and mental health awareness. Other supports are also available including the Farm Household Allowance, and Regional Investment Corporation loans. The Rural Financial Counselling Service offers free, confidential and independent financial information, options, decision-making support and referral services to farmers and small rural businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship. For more information about available drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons, to apply visit ruralfinance.com.au/grants, or call 136 186. Earlier last week Member for Northern Victoria Region Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell successfully moved a motion in the Victorian Parliament calling on the government to provide extra funding for farming households struggling in the wake of the ongoing drought. Mrs Tyrrell tabled the motion last Tuesday and referenced the crippling impact the current drought was having on Victorian farming families, together with ever-increasing costs of stock feed, water, fuel and freight costs, all in the midst of the current cost of living crisis. She also spoke about the recently introduced Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy, which will see farmer’s property rates increase by up to 150 per cent in the 2026-27 financial year. The motion was passed unopposed on the Wednesday and Mrs Tyrrell said that she was grateful that all members of the Legislative Council supported her work to get more financial assistance for farmers struggling during the current drought. “This drought has been described as the worst in living memory and our farming communities are doing it so tough,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

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