Farmers demand more action as Melbourne rain fails to reach drought ravaged parts of the state

IT might have rained in Melbourne over the weekend, but spare a thought for our farmers, with dry conditions set to continue across the state.

WHILE Melbourne received rain at the weekend, the state’s northwest and east stayed dry.

The city received less than 10mm on Saturday after a wet week north of Melbourne in particular, with some areas receiving up to 50mm.

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Rain threatened to dampen the Caulfield Cup on Saturday. Picture: Jay Town

But east Gippsland and northwest Victoria remained dry, and rain over the past three months is well below ­average.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Richard Carlyon said it was “hard to say” when conditions would change, with heavy rain unlikely during the rest of spring.

Mildura has received less than 100mm this year.

The state government announced an extra $5 million in drought relief for farmers last month.

Farmers are forced to buy hay in Gippsland. Picture: Ian Currie

But the Victorian Farmers Federation wants assistance to be expanded, particularly as conditions worsen in the northern, Mallee and Wimmera regions.

“With drought having well and truly arrived, we need further action,” VFF president David Jochinke said. He urged the government to help with costs such as council rates.