Drought support across Victoria is being bolstered with the state government injecting an extra $75 million into a package now totalling $144 million.
This comes after consultation with farmers and regional communities through the Drought Response Taskforce.
It aims to ensure support is tailored to those most affected, particularly in south-west Victoria where farmers have been experiencing the worst of the drought conditions over the past two years.
With south-west Victoria experiencing particularly harsh conditions, $35.8 million is allocated to Primary Producer Support Payments.
This will provide eligible farmers with the equivalent of a 40 per cent reduction on their property rates.
Latest Stories
A further $2 million will support the Country Women’s Association to deliver household payments of up to $1000 to struggling families in eligible south-west LGAs.
The government is also investing an additional $5.9 million to maintain crucial support services for another 12 months.
These services include technical decision-making support, mental health services, farm debt mediation, and engagement activities.
A $6.3 million fee and duty relief package aims to ease financial burdens on primary producers.
It allows them to reinvest in their businesses or households.
Agriculture Victoria will collaborate with livestock biosecurity compensation fund advisory committees, Dairy Food Safety Victoria, and PrimeSafe to explore opportunities to waive biosecurity duties, regulatory fees, and charges.
Furthermore, Agriculture Victoria will waive indexation on its 2025-26 biosecurity fees and charges and provide targeted fee relief for farmers with cashflow issues.
Recognising the critical role of reliable water access, $15 million is earmarked for extending the East Grampians Rural Pipeline (Mininera Rural Pipeline).
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water is contributing $15.6 million to this project, and the government will continue to work with the federal government to seek a Commonwealth funding contribution.
An additional $3 million will expand Victoria’s Emergency Supply Point network, including new and upgraded access points statewide.
There is also $2.5 million allocated to leverage existing groundwater bores to access water for domestic and stock usage in drought-affected areas.
To further prepare for future drought conditions, a $3.5 million investment will develop a Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
This will explore alternative water sources such as recycled and stormwater and bolstering waterway health.
Catchment management authorities will receive $1 million to operate Drought Employment Programs, offering off-farm work opportunities for those experiencing hardship.
For comprehensive drought support information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
