Drought-Hit Farmers Urge Prime Minister to Visit SW Victoria Amid "Tipping Point"

Strategic Insights -

Farmers in southwestern Victoria are facing severe drought conditions, with many at risk of losing their livelihoods if the situation doesn't improve. The Southern Grampians Shire Council has written to the Prime Minister, urging him to visit the area and see firsthand the impact of the drought. Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing said farmers are struggling to put food on their own tables, and the industry's future is at risk if something isn't done. The Prime Minister's office has been noncommittal about a visit, but the National Farmers Federation is pushing for the government to guarantee funding for the Regional Investment Corporation beyond 2026 and to provide farmers with no-interest loans.

Key Takeaways:

  • Farmers in southwestern Victoria are facing the worst drought in living memory, with many at risk of losing their livelihoods.
  • The Southern Grampians Shire Council has written to the Prime Minister, urging him to visit the area and see firsthand the impact of the drought.
  • Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing said farmers are struggling to put food on their own tables, and the industry's future is at risk if something isn't done.
  • The National Farmers Federation is pushing for the government to guarantee funding for the Regional Investment Corporation beyond 2026 and to provide farmers with no-interest loans.
  • The Prime Minister's office has been noncommittal about a visit to a southwest farm, but the Australian government has invested $1bn in rural support and drought resilience programs nationally.
  • Farmers are facing significant costs, with many pastures not providing full ground cover and growth being slow, going into a third poor season.
  • The National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said concessional lending is not a handout, but a tool that helps farm businesses withstand dry conditions and stay productive.

Statistics:

  • The 18 months to July saw radical rainfall deficiencies across western Victoria, with Westmere, between Ballarat and Hamilton, receiving 450mm from a usual mean rainfall of 726mm.
  • Wickliffe had 481mm in the 18 months from a mean of 823mm.
  • Edenhope had 597mm from a usual 880mm; and Colac 683mm from 1083mm.
  • Hopetoun had 262mm from a mean of 429mm.
  • Birchip saw 329mm fall when it would expect 514mm.
  • The Regional Investment Corporation assessments are currently taking an average 118 days.
  • 2026 is the current end date for Regional Investment Corporation funding.

Sources:

  • Australian Farmers President's speech at the recent National Farmers Federation Congress (exact wording not mentioned in original text)
  • Southern Grampians Shire Council letter to the Prime Minister (no exact date mentioned)
  • The Weekly Times report on the RIC assessments (no exact date mentioned)
  • Bureau of Meteorology data (no exact date mentioned)
  • Dairy Farmers Victoria statement (no exact date mentioned)
  • National Farmers Federation statement (no exact date mentioned)
  • Prime Minister's office statement (no exact date mentioned)