The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says an additional $75m in Victorian Government drought support funding is a step in the right direction as parts of the state continue to face record drought conditions.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the continued support is sorely needed and a testament to the sustained advocacy from VFF, farmers and the wider regional community.
“You can’t overstate how devastating this drought has been to our regional communities and the only certainty we know is the recovery will take years.”
“Genuine support is what’s needed and this announcement is a step in the right direction,” Mr Hosking said.
Highlights of the additional Victorian Government drought support include:
• $35.8m for 12 South West Victoria councils to administer targeted drought relief;
• $15m investment for the East Grampians Rural Pipeline;
• $2m for the Country Women’s Association to roll out of food and grocery support of up to $1000 per household;
• $6.3m to cover the cost of farmer exemptions on government fees and charges, such as livestock transaction fees;
• $5.5m for standpipes, emergency and private bores;
• $3.5m towards a SouthWest water strategy;
• $1m for Catchment Management Authority employment programs;
• $5.9m to continue the Look over the Farm Gate program and continue funding of Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical decision making program.
Mr Hosking added it’s the VFF’s expectation that the entirety of funding allocations to local councils is fully and promptly passed onto drought-hit communities without delay.
“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.
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’ve been calling for this for some time and have been working hard to make this key infrastructure a reality. We are now just waiting for the Federal Water Minister, Murray Watt, to confirm their co-contribution and work can commence on getting this done.”
“Government support is vital to help the industry at this time. We’ve seen initial support from the Victorian Government and now we need the Federal Government to step in and do their bit.”
“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 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.
