Drought support package
The Victorian Government has provided direct drought support of $69 million for farmers across Victoria impacted by drought conditions.
The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program offers eligible farmers from across the state access to grants of up to $5,000 (ex-GST) to support on-farm drought management and be better prepared for future droughts.
For eligible farmers in south west Victoria, an additional $5,000 (ex-GST) top-up is available, taking the total grant on offer up to $10,000 (ex-GST). This increase is available to the 11 local government areas (LGAs) and the lower half of West Wimmera LGA (postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319) that have had access to this program since September 2024.
Eligible activities under the grant program are being expanded to cover activities including water carting and pasture re-establishment in recognition of the broad pressures farmers are managing.
Farm business technical and decision-making support is now available right across the state. These services are being delivered in partnership with a range of technical specialists, to support farmers to manage the impacts of increasingly difficult conditions.
A ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program is available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress.
The Victorian Drought Freight Network has been developed to allow critical grain and fodder to be transported to Victorian farms in need. Fodder and grain can now be transported on key freight routes in the south west at up to 84 tonnes – a 15-tonne increase on the usual limit. This means more feed can be delivered in fewer trips, getting vital supplies to farmers more efficiently. More information is available at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
The Victorian Government is also investing $1.8 million to help farmers control kangaroos on their properties. Rebates will be available to authority to control wildlife (ACTW) permit holders to engage commercial shooters for kangaroo control, given many farmers are busy distributing feed and fodder on-farm. Permits for kangaroo control will also be fast-tracked, reducing average processing time to less than one week.
These escalated supports build on programs that are always available to Victorian farm businesses across the state, year-round. These include the Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Commonwealth Government’s Farm Household Allowance and low interest loans available through the Regional Investment Corporation
Ongoing support also includes workshops and field days, a comprehensive archive of practical information on the Agriculture Victoria website including technical resources and tools and calculators to assist with matters such as forward planning, feed budgeting and livestock management.
On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program
The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant Program, which has been available to farmers in south west Victoria, has been extended statewide.
Eligible farmers will receive up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant that will support activities including water infrastructure upgrades (such as pipes, tanks, troughs and dams), stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage. New eligible activities have been added to the program, including water carting and pasture re-establishment, in recognition of the broad pressures farmers are managing.
For eligible farmers in south west Victoria, an additional $5,000 (ex-GST) top-up is available, taking the total grant on offer up to $10,000 (ex-GST). This increase is available to the 11 local government areas (LGAs) and the lower half of West Wimmera LGA (postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319) that have had access to this program since September 2024.
The grant program is administered by Rural Finance on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Updated guidelines for the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program are now available.
Statewide technical decision-making support
Agriculture Victoria’s farm business technical and decision-making support, incorporating a range of technical specialists, is available statewide to support farmers to manage the impacts of increasingly difficult seasonal conditions.
The one-on-one technical advisory service works with farmers to ensure farm businesses have access to tailored advice by sitting down with a consultant to discuss the best way forward.
The technical information and decision-making events program is delivering a program of events and workshops in local communities across the state. Visit our events page for details about online and in-person events.
Statewide mental health and wellbeing support
The ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program is available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress.
The program has available grants of up to $5,000 designed to support local organisations to create events and initiatives that are tailored to their unique community. The focus is on activities which support mental wellbeing and brings people together.
The program is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government. More information and an application form are available at the National Centre for Farmer Health.
South West Regional Drought Coordinator
The South West Regional Drought Coordinator role continues to support collaboration across agencies and organisations, to ensure that necessary support reaches those in need.
The coordinator works with local councils, Victorian Government departments, local water corporations, catchment management authorities, local health services and industry service providers to make sure support is reaching the people that need it, when they need it.
Small Business Financial Counsellor – south west
Additional funding has been provided to support small businesses in south west Victoria through the appointment of a Small Business Financial Counsellor (SBFC) within the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West. An SBFC can help you better understand your financial position, identify options, negotiate with lenders and insurers, apply for government support and refer to other professional services.
To connect with the SBFC please call 1300 735 578 or visit the RFCS website.