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Local people ‘stand together’ at Protect Our Farms meeting

By Seymour Telegraph

Sep 1, 2025

A recent Protect Our Farms community meeting attracted over 120 people from across regional Victoria. Photo by Supplied

Local frustrations were highlighted at a recent community meeting, which saw over 120 people air their concerns in Pyalong.

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On Thursday, August 21, Protect Our Farms hosted the meeting to outline the group’s four key priorities, which included:

Rural and pro-farmer policies;
Practical emergency management;
Environment and food security; and
Stopping unfair cost-shifting and cutting government ‘red-tape’.

“These four pillars will underpin our work going forward and ensure farmers and rural communities have a strong, united voice,” Protect Our Farms president Bill Chisholm said.

“Thursday night showed the determination of local people to stand together, and the success of the meeting confirms the momentum we are building.”

A key issue raised at the meeting was of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which was highlighted as “a major burden”.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said the ESVF would directly benefit local emergency services.

“Every single dollar raised by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund goes back into our emergency services — as enshrined in legislation that also ensures emergency services funding is protected and can’t be cut as it was under the Liberal/National governments," the spokesperson said.

“Our emergency service volunteers already give so much, and in recognition of this contribution, active VICSES and CFA volunteers and life members are eligible for a rebate on the ESVF for their primary place of residence or farm.”

The Protect Our Farms meeting involved discussions on a lack of perceived fairness resulting from the ESVF.

The meeting also saw the launch of Protect Our Farms’ draft Practical Emergency Management policy paper, which is set to underpin the group’s action plan and advocacy efforts in relation to emergency management matters.

Attendees hailed from across the region, coming from Bendigo to Kilmore, Heathcote to Glenaroua.

Also present were state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall and councillors Bob Humm and Riley Evans.

Mr Chisholm said, while much frustration was expressed, the meeting indicated the willingness of attendees to work together for change.

“The energy and ideas shared at Thursday’s meeting give us a roadmap for the future, and our commitment is to turn them into action so the rural voice is heard loud and clear,” Mr Chisholm said.

“Our membership grew on the night, and we encourage others to join as well — it’s free and simple at farmprotect.org”