Federal funding for irrigation project to aid drought-hit Gippsland farmers

The federal government will fund a big irrigation project and further mental health programs to give a hand to drought-hit Gippsland farmers.

Farmer Dan Boland wipes dust from his eyes after a dust storm at his property in Darriman. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The federal government will fund a major irrigation project and further mental health programs to give a hand to drought-hit Gippsland farmers, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced.

Mr Morrison said his government would provide $31 million to the Macalister Irrigation District project — which he said would drought proof the region for the future.

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Sheep on drought-stricken farmland in the Giffard West region of Gippsland Picture: Jake Nowakowski

He said, in the short-term, the federal government would also provide $2.5 million in funding for mental health support for Gippsland farmers to go with the $1 million already locked in for each of the East Gippsland and Wellington councils for local projects.

“Help is on the way for Gippsland farmers and families,” the Prime Minister said.

“I can’t make it rain but we’re working closely with the local community to ensure the right supports are in place and that we have the water infrastructure needed for the future.”

Construction on the Macalister Irrigation District project will cost $62 million and is due to be completed in late 2022.

Steve Harrison, daughter Megan and dog Dougie at their Gippsland farm's almost dry dam. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The state government and Southern Rural Water Corporation have committed to funding the remaining $31 million.

Gippsland MP Darren Chester said while the programs “won’t turn paddocks green overnight” they would protect the region in the long term while delivering some financial relief in the short term.

Mr Morrison and Premier Daniel Andrews are also due to meet on Monday, and high on the agenda will be discussing what all levels of government can do to help Victorian farmers cope with the drought.

Premier Andrews said on Sunday the federal government funding and Prime Minister’s visit to drought-affected areas was welcome news.

“I am very pleased to see today some additional announcements of funding, particularly for mental health care for drought-affected communities and some money for the Macalister catchment,” Mr Andrews said.

“I welcome the Prime Minster’s investment and I thank him for that. It’s a really important step.”

The Premier said his bipartisan appeal to Canberra last week helped secure the additional funding.

“Myself, the leader of the Liberal Party, the leader of the National party and the independent member for Shepparton … wrote a joint letter to him late last week and one of the items that we called for has been delivered in the announcement he has made today,” he said.

“It’s a very, very good outcome.”

Mr Andrews assured Victorians he would continue to support local farmers and businesses in affected communities.

“We know how hard people are doing it down there,” Mr Andrews said.

— with Tamsin Rose.

Originally published as Federal funding for irrigation project to aid drought-hit Gippsland farmers