ALTHOUGH rain provided a major respite to Mitchell Shire farmers who have been longing for wet weather across the weekend, there are still major figures in government demanding continued support as they grapple with the fallout from the decision to delay the much-talked about Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
With the State Government still yet to decide whether drought conditions will be declared in the North-East region of the state or not, pressure has been applied by the Nationals for drought relief to be accessible throughout the area.
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, called for more support for farmers as she attended the Euroa Cattle Sale on Wednesday.
Dozens of local farmers attended the event, which was also attended by regional mental health professionals, who were available to provide support.
“This was more than just a morning tea—it was a powerful reminder that our farmers are crying out to be heard, seen, and supported,” Ms Cleeland said.
“While it was heartening to see so many locals stop by for a cuppa and a chat, the stories we heard were confronting—of livestock losses, financial despair, and isolation that has gone on too long without real support.”
The Albanese Government has acted on the need for mental health support for farmers, with a $2 million boost announced to the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) last week.
This boost came as the State Government retracted the ESVF tax for the next 12 months, instead committing $37.7 million towards a new drought package, which allows any farmer in Victoria to access up $5000 of grants for multiple layers of support.
The State Government also announced that the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) was opened last week, with $30 million available, doubling last year’s funding.
Labor says that $62 million would be provided from the ESVF over the next four years to double the VESEP.
Eligible services include the CFA and SES.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said it was a way to provide greater support for the groups.
“It’s really exciting to be able to offer volunteers the most funding we’ve ever offered through VESEP—it’s a program that’s overwhelmed with applications every year, so this will mean more groups can get support,” she said.
The Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) urged farmers to take advantage of the new drought-centric grants, as well as the RFCS Victoria West.
Available grants include upgrading stock containment areas, installation of reticulated water systems, improving irrigation, increasing fodder and grain storage, re-fencing paddocks and enhancing feed systems.
Grants are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, with projects needed to be completed after three months from when the in-principal approval is granted.
However, there are renewed calls for the drought to be declared so that more farmers have clarity on their next steps.
Ms Cleeland has organised a petition to declare drought conditions in the North-East region, which has garnered over 6200 signatures—prompting renewed calls for the government to help farmers in the region.
“Some are selling off generations of breeding stock just to pay bills. Others are looking down the barrel of walking off the land altogether. We are beyond crisis mode,” she said.
“Our rural communities are doing everything they can to support each other, but we need our government to step up with the same urgency.”
It’s a call that is echoed by Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell, who called on the Albanese Government to act.
“Farmers are struggling, their stock and crops are struggling, they need assistance now,” he said.
“In 2020 the Coalition introduced a two-year interest free period for Regional Investment Corporation loans up to $2 million for farmers experiencing hardship, this can and should be done again now to give primary producers some financial breathing space.
“The combined impacts of drought and floods means that fodder is scarce and expensive, farmers are having to destock, and cropping seasons will be bleak without decent rain which isn’t forecast.”
Mr Birrell, in addressing the boost to the RFCS, said more can be done to help farmers in the region.
“The stress and strain on farming families grows the drier it gets, and we know from bitter experience the mental health toll it takes,” he said.
“A zero per cent interest rate for new and existing drought loans and to refinance existing debt from commercial banks is a practical measure to improve cashflow and give farmers time to restock and replant.
“Nationals Leader David Littleproud has written to Agriculture Minister Julie Collins requesting finance support and on behalf of the farmers in my electorate, I hope the Minister acts sooner rather than later.”
