The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) in Australia is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently increase drought support measures, as worsening conditions across the state put farm businesses at serious risk of failure.
With the Victorian State Budget fast approaching, the VFF is urging the government to use the opportunity to deliver immediate relief to drought-affected areas and to invest in long-term preparedness and resilience strategies. This call follows the recent announcement of a $73 million drought package by the South Australian Government, which includes direct support for farmers and small businesses, as well as investment in water infrastructure. The VFF warns that without similar action, Victoria risks falling behind, potentially resulting in severe impacts on regional communities and the state's vital food and fibre supply chains.
The VFF is calling for the current Drought Support Package, which is currently limited to South West Victoria, to be expanded to include other severely affected regions such as Central Victoria, South Gippsland, and West Gippsland. The organisation also seeks increased and extended funding for the Farm Business Resilience Program to help strengthen farm preparedness for future droughts. Additional funding is requested for rural financial counselling services, which are critical in assisting farm businesses under significant stress.
The VFF is further advocating for joint State and Commonwealth investment in strategic water infrastructure projects, including pipelines to secure stock and domestic water supplies, as well as the establishment and upgrading of emergency water supply points. It also calls for increased kangaroo harvesting quotas in drought-affected regions, to alleviate pressure on already fragile pasture and water resources.
VFF/UDV President Bernie Free said Victoria's farmers are now facing some of the driest conditions in decades. "Feed is becoming increasingly scarce, water sources are drying up, and financial pressure is mounting. 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," he said.
VFF Livestock Group President Scott Young emphasised the need for both immediate and long-term support measures. "We need longer-term programs to help us prepare for the next drought. But new troughs won't help when there's no water to put in them today. We need serious investment in immediate financial relief, and programs that reflect the reality on the ground," he said.
The VFF continues to provide direct feedback to the Victorian Government and is calling for strong and immediate action to support farmers and rural communities through one of the most challenging seasons in decades.
For more information:
Victorian Farmers Federation
Tel: +61 1300 882 833
Email: [email protected]
www.vff.org.au
