THE state government is still weathering criticism after having heeded calls from the opposition and crossbenches to extend drought relief statewide, releasing a further $37.7 million in funding on top of the $29.4m already offered to the southwest of the state.
The Allan government announced on Friday afternoon it will extend its Drought Package to farmers in all LGAs and said in a statement that the latest weather data showed an anticipated ‘autumn break’ has not come.
“Advice from Agriculture Victoria indicates that rainfall in May realised the worst-case scenario, projected at the start of the month,” the statement said.
Over the past two weeks, most of the state received just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall expected in May, forcing the window for last minute rain to avoid a failed season to close completely.
The latest reporting from the Bureau of Meteorology also indicates these conditions are likely to continue into June, leaving paddocks and dams dry and fodder prices doubled.
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All Victorian farmers can now access grants of up to $5000 to support on-farm drought management improvements, in addition to financial counselling and mental health support.
Farmers in the 11 LGAs in the state’s southwest will have payments increased to $10,000, along with parts of West Wimmera.
Also extended to all primary producing properties is the reduction of the new ESVF levy which will be capped to match payments made in 2024-25, meaning the variable rate on primary production properties will remain at 28.7 for the duration of the 2025-26 financial year.
The government said the package will cover water carting activities and pasture re-establishment, with Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical and decision-making support available to help farmers better manage the impact from the state’s dry conditions.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the relief package was a ‘small win’.
“While we welcome the funding announcement, we remain deeply disappointed that drought has not been declared,” Cr Ewart-Kenney said.
“Good farmers, good people are being forced to make heartbreaking decisions just to survive (and) what the State Government has done is divide communities by selectively recognising crises.
“Drought doesn’t stop at shire boarders – and neither should financial relief”.
The last ‘exceptional circumstances’ drought declaration ended in 2012 with all state governments agreeing to no longer make declarations but release relief packages as needed.
The policy has been widely criticised by councils and farmer groups who see announcements as useful for farmers’ mental health.
The opposition’s response to the relief extension criticized it for being ‘too little, too late’.
Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said the announcement followed a week of intense pressure on the government in parliament, where the Liberal Party moved a motion calling for increased drought assistance, that passed unanimously.
“Numerous members raised concerns about the level of drought assistance and joined my call for the Victorian government to extend the support package to all municipalities in the Northern Victoria Region,” Ms Lovell said.
“But the package will not provide any direct financial assistance for feed or fodder delivery, nor subsidise water supply for agricultural purposes.”
Ms Lovell also said the government had also been dragged ‘kicking and screaming’ to halt the new ESVF levy.
“The emergency services tax on farmers is cruel and heartless; the pause on the tax increase will not last forever,” she said.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the package was an ‘insulting’ political stunt which failed to deliver more urgently needed basics such as feed and water.
“This looks like a calculated move to delay tough decisions and protect the Premier’s image, not support the people doing it toughest on the land,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Farmers are facing a breaking point, yet this city-focused government offers little more than token gestures and media spin while the crisis deepens.
“It’s not just useless, it’s insulting.”
MP for Northern Victoria Rikki-Lee Tyrrell praised the announcement.
“The state government has listened to the pleas of many people – local councils, members of parliament, and farmers themselves," Mrs Tyrrell said.
“On Wednesday night in Parliament I called on the Minister for Agriculture to expand the support assistance to all farmers in my electorate of Northern Victoria Region.”
A newly formed Drought Response Taskforce, headed up by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes, will announce further support packages as expected weather conditions worsen.
The taskforce is made up of three government ministers and an opposition MP, community groups, banks, and representatives from industry peak bodies and councils and will be chaired by the Premier.
Ms Allan said the taskforce would deliver ‘real’ relief for farming communities.
“The increasingly devastating effects of drought aren’t confined by postcode or region – it's impacting farmers across Victoria,” Ms Allan said.
“It’s why we’re expanding support statewide.
“The new taskforce will bring together Victorians from different communities, different backgrounds, and different political parties.”
To access the grant visit www.ruralfinance.com.au/grants/
Help is at hand; if you or anyone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
