Victorian floods 2022: Dairy industry warns delays, logistical headaches

Declare a natural disaster now, urges Victoria’s top dairy farmer, as the state wades through another wet week of flooding.

Victoria’s dairy leader says a declaration of natural disaster is needed immediately to free up resources for flood-ravaged regions.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Monday more than $350 million towards Victoria’s flood recovery response, with a further $165 million to be pumped into regional road maintenance.

United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Mark Billing urged the state government to make the declaration.

He also called for the state and federal governments to commit to agriculture-specific funding to aid farmers directly and indirectly hit by flooding.

“The UDV and the VFF, as well as a range of dairy bodies, have been lobbying for this declaration of natural disaster because it frees up a range of resources that are needed now,” Mr Billing said.

“It’s a real mix of who has been hit and who has been spared. There are only a few reports so far of milk being poured down the drain. But it’s only early days.

“Echuca looks like it will have a second inundation from another river source. So some farms spared over the weekend may be in trouble this week.

“The announcement of funding (Monday) is welcome but there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of ag-specific funds. There’ll be ongoing costs in terms of infrastructure damage, mastitis; a range of issues.”

United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Mark Billing. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Australian Dairy Farmers president Rick Gladigau said discussions on the recovery phase for individual dairy businesses were underway.

“The industry will continue to meet with government representatives and provide impact assessment data,” said Mr Gladigau.

“We have teams of people who are very experienced in dealing with flooding issues and we are working to ensure farmers are supported as best as possible.”

Fonterra Australia farm source director Matt Watt said the processor’s Stanhope site remained fully operational.

“Road closures continue to be a challenge and we are working closely with industry and other processors in the region to collect milk, which we are processing at our Stanhope site,” Mr Watt said.

“Minimal milk has been disposed of with tankers finding ways to get on farm, and the situation eased (on Monday) with the ability to reach west of Echuca.

“In the unfortunate event our farmers need to dispose of milk due to the floods impacting their farm, Fonterra will pay for this milk.”

Mr Watt said road access was likely to be a challenge in coming days and weeks.

“So far none of our farms are experiencing significant issues, however it’s ever-evolving and this may change over the coming days,” he said.

“Loss of power and road access are the biggest challenges, and we are providing all the support we can to our farmers.”