It means farmers in the drought-declared areas of Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Ararat will not have to pay the new Emergency Services Volunteers Fund in the next financial year, rather they will continue paying the Fire Services Property Levy. However, farmers in Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh shires will be slugged with the new tax.
The package also includes an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program where farmers can claim up to $5000; the appointment of a small business financial counsellor; and $900,000 for the National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton to deliver ongoing services and resources to the farming community.
The Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, has welcomed the extended drought support measures, but says the package does not go nearly far enough to address the mounting pressure facing Victorian farmers and rural communities.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the limited scale of the package fell well short of what was required, especially when compared with more substantial efforts in other states such as South Australia.
South Australia announced in early April a $73-million drought support package, providing its farmers with on-farm infrastructure grants; subsidised freight costs to transport donated fodder; rebates for its fire services levy and commercial vehicle registration fees; mental health resilience support; extra funding for Rural Financial Counselling; as well as a host of other funding for water transport, regional businesses, sports clubs and events.
“Farmers are not asking for handouts. They are asking for meaningful recognition of the strain this drought is putting on their livelihoods, their families and their mental health,” Mr Hosking said.
“The response so far is too narrow in scope. What is urgently needed is for the government to get out into the regions, speak directly with the farmers doing it tough, and take real action based on what they are hearing.”
The VFF has put forward a number of constructive suggestions to Agriculture Victoria, and is calling on the government to engage directly with regional communities and deliver drought support that reflects the real needs of farmers across the state.
Mr Hosking said some of the most impactful changes would not cost the government anything. “There are simple regulatory shifts that could make an immediate difference, such as allowing better control of pest animals like kangaroos, or relaxing regulations to allow more high-productivity vehicles on our road networks to cart additional fodder to feed the starving animals we are seeing on farms as a result of the drought,” he said.
“These changes would help farmers protect their stock and manage limited resources more effectively.
“Of course, financial support is vital, but it is also about showing that people in the city understand and care about what is happening in the bush.
“Mental health is a huge concern. When farmers feel isolated, unsupported and forgotten, the consequences can be devastating for individuals and entire communities.”
Member for Lowan and Opposition spokesperson for agriculture Emma Kealy said the government’s ‘abysmal’ drought package had let down Victorian farmers.
“Farmers battling worsening conditions have called for fodder, water carting support and agistment assistance – instead they have been lumped with ‘plans’ to assist with future drought,” she said.
“The fact is – farmers are in drought conditions now, and need real support now.
“The fact the Allan Labor government could only find $29.4-million shows the government doesn’t take the drought situation or farmers seriously.”
Ms Kealy said farmers were sadly resorting to taking their lives.
“This is a serious concern that demands a serious response and support now,” she said.
“Victorian farmers deserve real, urgent, and practical support.”
For more information about the drought package, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.
Anyone experiencing mental-health issues can call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline, 131 114, or Rural Financial Counselling Victoria West 1300 735 578.
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