The Victorian Government announced a $69 million package to support farmers, but Regional Cities Victoria has said it’s not enough to ease pressure.

RCV joined key industry and government stakeholders, including Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, on Friday, June 20 as part of drought taskforce talks in Ballarat.

The Victorian Government announced a $69 million package, which RCV supported, but RCV chair Shane Sali said it wasn’t enough.

“The state is relying on Victoria’s regions for food and fibre products to boost the state’s economic prospects — that’s why direct relief to farmers continues to be our priority,” Cr Sali said.

“We have consistently — with our taskforce counterparts Rural Councils Victoria and the VFF — sought additional support measures including council rate relief and an increase to the on-farm drought infrastructure grants.

“We look forward to further announcements from the Victorian Government in the coming weeks.”

Cr Sali said the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, although paused, was still a stressor for Victorian farmers.

“And while the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy has been paused for 12 months, there is still significant stress being felt regarding its eventual rollout, and the financial impacts it will have on primary producers and regional and rural areas more broadly as they recover from drought,” he said.

Cr Sali, who is also the Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, said the grants of up to $5000 for community-led events that promote social connection and mental health awareness should also be available to local councils.

“Local councils have a grassroots understanding of their communities and bringing people together when things are tough is what they do best,” Cr Sali said.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for eligible farmers in south-west Victoria and parts of West Wimmera to help those who have been in drought longer.

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 adviser to help make the difficult decisions they are facing, particularly due to fodder and water shortages.

“We are listening to what farmers are telling us and tailoring our support to meet their needs,” Victorian Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said.

“It’s so important that farmers and their families know they are not alone, which is why the Look Over the Farm Gate program gives them the opportunity to come together with their community and connect with their neighbours.”

Other support is 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 or call 136 186.

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