Drought support

The Victorian Government is providing more than $146.5 million in direct support to help farmers and communities across Victoria impacted by drought.

What’s available

• Grants up to $5,000 (ex-GST) are available for on-farm improvements and other business activities to help manage drought. An additional $5,000 (ex-GST) top-up in 12 local council areas, including parts of West Wimmera, where drought has hit hardest, bringing the total amount for farmers in these locations to $10,000 (ex-GST).
• Household Financial Relief payments up to $1,000 to eligible farming families and those working on farms affected by drought conditions in south west Victoria to assist with household expenses.
• Farm management advice and planning help is available. Farmers across the state can now access a second Farm Advisory Servcie one-on-one consultation. Service providers are supporting the delivery of this statewide program and the group-based events; a third round for quotes opened on Monday 17 November for the 2026 group-based technical events.
• Farm debt mediation support, and a duties and fees relief package.
• On-farm Kangaroo Control Rebate Program.
• Mental health and wellbeing events are being funded statewide through the Look Over the Farm Gate program to help bring communities together and support farmers under stress. A new round of funding opens in February 2026.
• In south-west Victoria, targeted household relief payments and cashflow relief in the form of Primary Producer Support Payments.
• Funding support to the VFF for 2 dedicated financial capability officers to provide practical support directly to farming communities across Victoria.
• Small business support through a new Community and Local Business Activation fund to help local councils, chambers of commerce and trade associations deliver local projects to boost business in the 12 worst drought-affected LGAs in south-west Victoria.
• Support for Rural Financial Counselling Service wellbeing counsellors across the state.

Learn more about the package.