THE Victorian Government has announced a drought support package for farmers in the south west, following record dry conditions.

Much of the district has faced a ‘green drought’ over the winter period, where there was insufficient moisture to sustain any real pasture growth. 

The package announced aims to deliver on-farm infrastructure grants and increase the region’s resilience into the future.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Agriculture minister Ros Spence announced the $13.53 million package in late September, available to farmers in 11 south west Local Government Areas of Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Surf Coast, West Wimmera, Ararat, Pyrenees and Golden Plains.

Eligible farmers could receive up to $5000 as a co-contribution grant to support water infrastructure upgrades to pipes, tanks, troughs, dams, stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.

Many farmers are disappointed there isn’t more assistance being offered, given the grant amount is a lot lower than those previously available, and it requires a co-contribution. However given the state of the state government’s finances, the lower budget for the scheme is not surprising. 

Formal application information is not yet available, however farmers in the above municipalities can express their interests in the grants by emailing drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au

The package also includes a $1.43 million investment in counselling and advice for farmers experiencing financial and emotional distress to help them make informed financial decisions and safeguard their wellbeing.

A dedicated Drought Regional Coordinator will be also appointed to make sure support is reaching people effectively.

VFF president Emma Germano said the $13.53 million funding package would be used to help give farmers the tools needed to respond to the current dry conditions and comes after sustained advocacy by local farmers and the VFF.

“Parts of the South West are the driest on record and I would like to thank Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence for listening to farmers and lending a helping hand,” she said.

“For many months as this green drought has lingered, the VFF has been hearing from local farmers and relaying this information back to the government.

“It’s encouraging to see some action to help those doing it tough.

“This is a sensible and proportionate response by the government and comes in addition to existing supports such as the Farm Household Allowance and Regional Investment Corporation loans.” 

Ms Germano said the available grants would support immediate and long-term needs of farmers. 

“Farmers know the land better than anyone and that’s why targeted funding to support water infrastructure upgrades is so important,” she said.

“It gives farmers the ability to better prepare their farm for immediate challenges and for future drought conditions.”

“I would encourage eligible farmers to apply for the support and learn more on the Agriculture Victoria website.”  

Ms Germano added the VFF would continue to monitor conditions state-wide and communicate information back to the government.

“The harsh reality of drought is that it’s always changing on the ground,” she said.

“We will be closely monitoring conditions throughout Victoria to help ensure the government is tuned into the issues on the ground.”