South-west Victoria’s green drought might have eased for some, but $13.28m in support will help.

A $13.28 million support package from the Allan Labor Government for drought-affected south-west Victorian farmers was a great result, according to a state farmer leader.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced the $13.28 million package to help farmers in 11 south west Local Government Areas of Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Surf Coast, West Wimmera, Ararat, Pyrenees and Golden Plains.

Eligible farmers can receive up to $5000 as a co-contribution grant – upto a total of $12.1 million —  to support water infrastructure upgrades to pipes, tanks, troughs, dams, stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.

The package also includes a $1.18 million investment in counselling and advice for farmers experiencing financial and emotional distress to help them make informed financial decisions and safeguard their wellbeing. A dedicated Drought Regional Coordinator will be also appointed to make sure support is reaching people effectively.

The government said the support package builds on the existing support available for farmers to prepare for and respond to drought, including through providers such as the National Centre for Farmer Health, farmer workshops and field days, and a database of practical information on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Victorian Farmers Federation Livestock president Scott Young said south-west Victorian farmers have “done it really tough” for the last 12-18 months.

He said the support package came about from good conversations between concerned farmers, the VFF and the government to highlight the issue and concerns.

“Under the circumstance with the challenges facing the government around finances it is great result that the government can support farmers in that area who have relay been struggling for the past 18 months and will do so into the future.

“You could always say that it would have been nice to be earlier, but I think even some farmers had grass now they are not out of the woods.

“There are still a lot of challenges going forward and a lot of people have extended their cash expenditure above and beyond what they would normally and I think there are a lot of businesses down there that are not going to recover straight away; they are going to take years to recover.”

Mr Young appreciated that some of the package would go toward ‘drought-proofing’ farms and

Victoria’s south west region is facing the lowest rainfall on record, which is impacting stock and harvest and putting pressure on feed and water reserves.

Premier Allan said farmers in Victoria’s south-west are facing the lowest rainfall on record and the government was stepping in to support them.

“Victorians are proud of our world-class produce, and we’ll always support our world-class producers.”

Ms Spence said she has heard directly from farmers in the south-west about the impact drought conditions are having on our communities.

“This package will drive the long term resilience the south west needs.”

The government said the Victorian Budget 2024/25 invested $59.8 million to help farmers become drought resilient and develop sustainable irrigation practices – in addition to supporting them to prepare for future droughts in partnership with the Commonwealth Government through the $20.4 million in the Future Drought Fund.

For more information on the Drought Support Package visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons