More support must be offered to improve farmer wellbeing

MEMBER for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, is calling for the Victorian Government to expand its drought support package to include more areas in North East Victoria, helping farmers clean out dams, repair water infrastructure, and access critical mental health support. Ms Cleeland attended a livestock drought maintenance session in Euroa, where she heard firsthand from farmers about the mounting challenges caused by the prolonged dry conditions. “These meetings are vital as dry conditions continue to bite,” Ms Cleeland said. “Farmers are doing everything they can to keep their livestock and businesses afloat, but they need real, practical support - not just short-term band-aid solutions.” Drought has persisted in some regions since April 2023, leaving farmers struggling with dwindling water supplies, financial stress, and emotional exhaustion. Speaking in parliament last week, Ms Cleeland urged the government to step up its efforts, calling for additional support to help farmers maintain essential water infrastructure and improve access to mental health services. “The government’s drought package must be extended to include funding for cleaning dams and repairing water infrastructure - without water security, farms simply cannot survive,” Ms Cleeland said. “Beyond the financial pressure, the emotional toll of watching stock suffer and businesses struggle is pushing many farmers to breaking point. “We need to do more to support their mental well-being, ensuring they have access to the services and help they need. “Our farmers are the backbone of our regional communities - now is the time for the government to step up and stand with them.”

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