Farming families offered $31m in drought relief as dry conditions hit devastating peak
Relief is on the way for drought-stricken Victorian farmers, with the state government announcing a $31 million support package as rural areas battle dry conditions.
VIC News
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Desperate farmers impacted drought in Victoria will be given a helping hand under a $31.5 million support package.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the funding today for farming families and communities doing it tough in East and Central Gippsland, the Millewa region in northwest Victoria, and the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District.
The announcement follows increasing calls for help, and pressure from national MPs warning conditions were dire for some areas.
Mr Andrews said the plan would be rolled out to the families who needed it most, but would also be used for long-term measures.
“This won’t make it rain, but it will help make life just a little bit easier for farming families doing it tough,” he said.
“This is a balanced package, it won’t make it rain, no drought package can do that, but it is about targeted, practical support.”
There has been criticism from the opposition that the government hasn’t done enough to stop the drought and Victoria’s water woes and more dams should be built, but Mr Andrews said that would not be happening.
“Dams don’t make it rain,” Mr Andrews said.
Up to $15 million will go toward creating the Farmers’ Drought Fund, to alleviate immediate burdens.
The fund will also provide payments of up to $3000 for households in Central and East Gippsland, the Millewa and the GMID who have been hit hard by drought.
This can be used for family everyday expenses.
The Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke welcomed the package.
“The new drought package is a step towards providing desperately needed support for farmers struggling through some of the worst drought conditions on record,” he said.
“Drought is a silent, slow moving and all-consuming environmental disaster happening on farms across Victoria. It is crushing for farmers to see decades of their hard work and stewardship erased by seasonal conditions outside of their control.”
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The package also includes $5.2 million in Local Government Service Support Payments, which will be provided to East Gippsland, Wellington and Mildura Shires to help councils meet the immediate needs of their communities.
A further $2 million has been allotted to payments to support mental health and vouchers will also be provided to farm businesses in the Millewa region to maintain essential on-farm machinery and equipment.
Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said the package did not include rates relief, which was concerning.
He also had issues with the level of funding.
“Farmers are spending $2500 a day on feed so this drought relief money is a drop in the bucket. It’s not going to go far and it’s certainly not going to help farmers stay on the land.”