“We are pleased to see significant investment in research and skills through the $2-billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund and the Agricultural College Modernisation Program.
“It’s vital we educate and equip the next generation of farmers with the skills and opportunities to support our growing agricultural industry.”
Mr Jochinke said while any investment into agriculture was welcome, it was ‘extremely’ disappointing major rail projects required to transport produce from paddock to port continued to be the subject of neglect.
“We’re still no clearer on whether the incredibly important Murray Basin Rail Project will be finished as originally planned back in 2016,” he said.
“At a time when regional Victoria is crying out for investment to help lift us out of recession, the fact is billions are being spent on metropolitan rail projects, while the Murray Basin Rail Project enters its fifth year of uncertainty.
“We are also disappointed the government has failed to secure access for Victorian farmers to an On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme by matching federal funding.
“We hope the Victorian government finds the cash to assist farmers to invest in drought-proofing water infrastructure.”
Mr Jochinke said the VFF was, however, delighted that some of its priority projects had attracted budget funding.
These included: $30-million for an Agriculture Energy Investment Fund; funding to support Victoria’s agricultural exporters; funding to address regional telecommunication blackspots; funding to assess regional Victoria’s agriculture industry skill needs; and increased funding for fuel-reduction programs, including $5-million for roadside activities.
The entire December 2, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
