THE State Government is supporting drought-hit farmers with cash flow relief, helping them cover costs and continue supporting the local communities and families that depend on their farms.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the Primary Producer Support Payments program has begun rolling out and will provide eligible farmers with the equivalent of a 40 per cent reduction on their property rates.
Farmers in the south-west have faced the state’s harshest drought conditions in more than two years, severely affecting their livelihoods, households and local communities.
The Primary Producer Support Payment is part of the $144 million Drought Support Package, which is delivering immediate and practical relief across Victoria.
The package also includes waivers of livestock duties and reductions in regulatory fees and charges across PrimeSafe, Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) and Agriculture Victoria for the next financial year, delivering more than $10 million in savings for farmers and food producers.
Agriculture Victoria is partnering with food and safety regulators DFSV and PrimeSafe, along with livestock compensation advisory committee chairs, to deliver the support.
So far, more than 2,800 farmers have accessed Farm Drought Support Grants, nearly 500 farmers have taken part in free one-on-one technical decision-making consultations, and over 120 Look Over the Farm Gate community events have been approved to support mental health and wellbeing.
The Drought Response Taskforce met last week to review the latest seasonal, economic and social conditions facing farmers and rural communities. The Taskforce will continue to monitor conditions and engage with communities over the coming months.
For more information on the State Government’s Drought Support Package, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.