Strathbogie Shire Council has welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to expand drought assistance to farmers across the state but remains concerned that local producers continue to receive only a minimum level of support.
Mayor, Claire Ewart-Kennedy (pictured) said local farmers were currently facing extremely difficult conditions.
“Feed supplies are critically low, hay reserves are running out, water storages are depleted, and the cost of transporting feed is skyrocketing,” the Mayor said.
“Producers are paying up to $20,000 per load just to bring in hay from interstate. For many, this is simply not sustainable.”
The State Government’s additional financial support of up to $10,000 has been limited to select areas, the Mayor said.
“Strathbogie Shire, despite clear and mounting evidence of severe drought impacts, remains restricted to the base level of assistance.”
“While we welcome the funding announcement and see it as a small win, we remain deeply disappointed that drought has not been declared.
“What the State Government is doing is dividing communities by selectively recognising crisis. Drought doesn’t stop at shire boarders – and neither should financial relief. Good farmers, good people are being forced to make heartbreaking decisions just to survive.
“At present, our farmers are not focused on infrastructure investment – they are focused on survival. Immediate and substantial financial assistance is urgently needed to secure feed and maintain core herds. Without access to this support, we risk losing not only farms but
entire livelihoods and generational ties to the land.
We are very disappointed that our Shire and several others in the Hume region have again been overlooked for the higher tier of support.”
The Mayor said Strathbogie Shire Council would continue to advocate for urgent, targeted relief that reflects conditions on the ground.
“Farmers across our region are experiencing drought conditions just as severe as those in the areas receiving elevated assistance,” she said.
“We know our community is strong and resilient, but this is impacting individuals, families, and businesses.
“The longer we are not formally recognised as being in drought, the more our community feels abandoned by its government. We urge the
newly announced Drought Response Taskforce to urgently review the eligibility criteria and ensure equitable, needs-based distribution of support.”
“This is a moment that calls for equity, urgency and leadership.”
