South west drought support package
Financial support for drought-affected farmers in south west Victoria
On Monday 30 September 2024, the Victorian Government announced a $13.53 million package to support farming communities affected by the drought in south west Victoria.
Right now, many farmers in Victoria's south west are facing the lowest rainfall on record, which is impacting stock and harvest and putting pressure on feed and water.
In response this drought support package will enable targeted support services to focus on the 11 local government areas where conditions are most impacting farmers and communities:
- Ararat
- Colac Otway
- Corangamite
- Glenelg
- Golden Plains
- Moyne
- Pyrenees
- Southern Grampians
- Surf Coast
- Warrnambool
- West Wimmera
The Drought Support Package includes:
On Farm Infrastructure Grants Program
- The $12.1 million On Farm Infrastructure Grants Program aims to strengthen drought preparedness activities and on-farm infrastructure.
- Eligible farmers will receive up to $5,000 as a co-contribution grant that will support activities including water infrastructure upgrades (e.g. pipes, tanks, troughs, dams), stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.
- This program will open soon.
- To register interest in the grant program email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au
A dedicated Drought Regional Coordinator
- The Regional Drought Coordinator will work 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.
Funds to support additional technical and financial decision-making
- Additional technical, wellbeing and financial decision-making support will be provided to ensure farm businesses have access to tailored advice through one-on-one consultations, webinars, workshops, field days, and boosted online tools and information.
- Find out more about dry seasons and drought support.
Support to continue the Rural Financial Counselling Service wellbeing counsellor
- The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) wellbeing counsellor will work directly with impacted families and tailor wellbeing supports to their individual needs.
- If neglected, the risks of short-term worries becoming long term health issues increases.
- RFCS Victoria West wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with their financial counsellors to ensure that the mental health of clients receives as much attention as their financial position.
- Support is free and confidential.
- To connect with RFCS Victoria West. You can also call 1300 735 578 or email admin@wswrcs.com.au.
The Drought Support Package builds on the existing support already available to farmers across the state to prepare for and respond to drought.
This includes workshops and field days being delivered each week, 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.
Since early autumn, Agriculture Victoria has had a consistent presence on the ground and has delivered over 200 tailored events in the south west region relating to the seasonal conditions, engaging over 4,000 farmers, industry members and service providers.