Victorian Farmers Federation wants new drought aid to bring rates relief
The Victorian Farmers Federation has called on councils in drought-stricken parts of the state to deliver rates relief to battling landowners through their share of new government funding.
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Battling farmers want rural councils to use new drought funding to deliver rates relief.
Mildura, Wellington and East Gippsland councils will split more than $5 million in drought funding as part of a $31 million state government package.
Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said using the money to provide lower rates would be of huge assistance to farmers.
“It’s all about trying to alleviate the pressures of drought and we would like to see that money be remitted back to farmers in those drought-affected areas,” he said. “One hundred per cent of that money should go directly to farmers either as a relief or a rebate on their rates.
“There is no doubt in my mind that councils should be able to do that quite easily.”
The funding announcement follows a series of Sunday Herald Sun reports highlighting the devastating effects of drought as well as the struggles of dairy farmers.
Renee Kelly, whose family owns a farm at Werrimull in the state’s northwest, said the drought funding was welcome news.
“It’s so positive to receive interest and action,” she said.
Ms Kelly’s father-in-law, Rad Kelly, said his farm resembled “the Sahara desert” — forcing him to move his entire sheep herd for the first time.
The state government’s drought package includes $15 million for $3000 payments to assist struggling farming families as well as money for mental health services and local projects.
Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes said council workers were on the ground with farmers every day and support payments were available for immediate help.
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The package came just days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s plan to aid farmers drew criticism for including money for the waterlogged municipality of Moyne, which takes in the area around Warrnambool, in Victoria’s southeast.
Moyne mayor Mick Wolfe said the council unanimously decided there was no need for the money and that it should be given to “somewhere that really needs it”.