The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently ramp up drought support measures as farmers across the state face worsening conditions and the real threat of business failure.
WITH the Victorian State Budget fast approaching, the VFF says the government must seize the opportunity to deliver immediate relief to drought-affected regions and invest in long-term preparedness and resilience.
This is on the back of the South Australian Government delivering a $73m drought package – including direct support for farmers, small businesses and investment in water infrastructure.
The VFF says Victoria risks falling behind and without immediate action, the impacts on regional communities and the state’s vital food and fibre supply chains could be devastating.
The VFF is calling for:
• An increase and expansion of the Drought Support Package currently targeted at South West Victoria to include Central Victoria, South Gippsland, and West Gippsland, where drought conditions have intensified;
• Increased and extended funding for the Farm Business Resilience Program to strengthen farm preparedness for future droughts;
• Additional funding for rural financial counselling services to support farm businesses under stress;
• Joint State and Commonwealth investment in strategic water infrastructure projects, particularly pipelines to secure stock and domestic water supply and investment in establishing and upgrading emergency water supply points; and,
• Increased kangaroo harvesting quotas in drought-affected regions to reduce pressure on fragile pasture and water supplies.
VFF/ United Dairy Farmers Victoria President, Bernie Free said Victoria’s farmers were facing some of the driest conditions seen in decades.
“Feed is becoming increasingly scarce, water sources are drying up and financial pressure is mounting,” Mr Free said.
“We now have multiple dairy regions across the state affected.
“Without further support from the state government, we risk long-term damage not just to farming families, but to entire rural communities.”
VFF Livestock Group President, Scott Young said that both longer term and short-term assistance was required.
“We need longer term programs to help us prepare for the next drought. But new troughs will not help when there’s no water to put in them today,” Mr Young said.
“We need serious investment in immediate financial relief and programs that actually reflect the reality on the ground.”
The VFF continues to provide direct feedback to the Victorian Government and urges stronger, immediate action to support farmers and rural communities facing one of the most challenging seasons in decades.