“This funding is about ensuring that no drought-impacted community is left behind, providing immediate relief to farming families across our state,” Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said on Friday, May 30.
Over the past two weeks, most of the state received just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall expected in May.
The latest reporting from the Bureau of Meteorology indicates these conditions are likely to continue into June.
These conditions have left paddocks and dams dry, with fodder prices doubled.
Due to these worsening conditions, the government will deliver a new and expanded drought package — supported by an additional $37.7 million in funding.
The Victorian Farmers Federation welcomed the expanded drought assistance package and the 12-month pause on emergency services levy increases for primary producers.
VFF president Brett Hosking said it represented a step in the right direction as Victoria endures crippling drought conditions across the state.
“Farmers are doing it tough and some are facing the worst drought conditions in living memory,” he said.
“This announcement offers a glimmer of hope and is recognition that the pressure we’ve applied is being heard. It’s a step in the right direction, but plenty more remains to be done.’’
The extra funding will ensure farmers across the state are able to access grants of up to $5000 to support on-farm drought management improvements, in addition to financial counselling and mental health support.
Recognising the ongoing impact of drought on farmers in the south-west, these payments will be increased to $10,000 across 11 council areas and parts of West Wimmera.
The program will also be expanded to cover water carting activities and pasture re-establishment across Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical and decision-making support has also been made available statewide, supporting farmers to manage the impacts of these increasingly drier conditions.
As part of its drought package announced earlier in May, the government said farmers in 24 drought-impacted local government areas would pay a reduced Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund contribution — capped to the same amount they paid in 2024-25.
“By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery,” Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes said.
Mr Hosking said the 12-month pause to the controversial emergency services levy was welcome and allowed more time to talk with the government.
“Pausing the ESL increases for 12 months is the right call, but it doesn’t change the underlying problem: this levy is an unfair cost shift on to farmers.
“We’ll use this extra time to continue making the case that it needs to be scrapped altogether, not simply paused.”
The government will deliver a further package of support in the coming weeks, informed by a dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce.
State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh is among those on the taskforce, which includes members of parliament and representatives from various industry and community organisations.
“I have spent the past 30 years working in this area as a member of parliament, as an agriculture and water minister and as president of the Victorian Farmers Federation — and before that ran my own farming enterprise, so I am confident I will have plenty of suggestions to benefit this vital taskforce,” he said.
“This is where you truly represent the people, when the politics are put aside and we come together to help everyday Victorians — and that’s what everyone on this taskforce will be doing.”
The taskforce will be chaired by Premier Jacinta Allan and provide advice on further help for farmers, as well as broader support for impacted businesses and communities.
The taskforce’s first meeting will be held in the first week of June, with a further package of support to be delivered as soon as possible.
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