Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has commended the Victorian Government for acting to ease the pressure on drought-affected communities.
The Victorian Government yesterday announced $75 million in new supports, following deliberations by the state’s Drought Response Taskforce. Rural Councils Victoria was one of several stakeholder groups represented on the Taskforce.
RCV says it is particularly pleased the Victorian Government has adopted its proposal to fund direct rate relief for farmers.
“Council rate discounts will help farmers survive the drought,” said RCV Chair, Campaspe Shire Councillor, Rob Amos.
“This will mean more cash back into farm budgets, straight away.”
Corangamite Mayor, Kate Makin — who has served as the RCV representative on the Drought Taskforce — said the rate relief will be welcomed by farmers.
“This is something our rural communities and member councils have been calling for, and we’re grateful it’s been picked up,” said Mayor Makin.
The relief will take the form of $35.8 million in Primary Producer Support Payments, to be distributed by the rural councils of Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Golden Plains and West Wimmera, plus Surf Coast, Warrnambool and Greater Geelong.
RCV modelling forecasts the payments will cover about 40% of eligible farmers’ expected rates bills.
“We’ve been listening to farmers and communities who are doing it tough – this support delivers real help, right now,” said Premier, Jacinta Allan.
“This isn’t just about dollars – it’s about backing the people who feed our state and the regional communities that keep our state strong.”
“Thank you to the members of the Taskforce – Victorians from different communities, backgrounds and political parties who came together to deliver real relief for farming communities.”
Minister for Agriculture and Acting Minister for Water, Ros Spence said the Government was investing in both short-term solutions and legacy infrastructure to improve resilience and water security for farmers and their communities.
“Cashflow relief was one of the major items raised with the Taskforce, which is why we’re helping farmers to create more room in their budgets to deal with the cost pressures they are facing in drought,” said Ms Spence.
Councillor Amos said Rural Councils Victoria is also pleased the Government has announced:
- Food and grocery support through additional funding for the Country Women’s Association ($2 million)
- Development of new and improved water infrastructure through the East Grampians Pipeline ($15m) and upgrades to standpipes, emergency and private bores ($5.5 million)
- Funding to progress the South West Sustainable Water Strategy, to boost water resilience into the future ($3.5 million)
- Ongoing funding for community programs, such as the ‘Look over the Farm Gate’ mental health program ($5.9 million)
“It’s great the government has listened and acted, though there remains more to be done,” Cr Amos said.
“Farmers and rural communities across the state will need sustained support.”
