Victoria Expands Drought Support for Farmers with $15.9 Million Boost

Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced the expansion of drought funding for farmers in Victoria, with a $15.9 million boost to help those affected by the ongoing drought. The support package includes on-farm infrastructure grants and financial counselling for farmers in 13 local government areas, including those in the west, central, and southern parts of the state. This expansion builds on the previous $13.5 million funding announced in September, which supported farmers in 11 council areas. Already, 1,500 farmers have received support through government funds, and the new package aims to help even more.

Key Takeaways:

• The Victorian state government is providing a $15.9 million boost in drought support for farmers, expanding on the previous $13.5 million funding announced in September.
• The new support package includes on-farm infrastructure grants and financial counselling for farmers in 13 local government areas in the west, central, and southern parts of the state.
• The on-farm infrastructure grants provide $5,000 for farmers for improvements on a dollar-for-dollar basis, which can include upgrades to water infrastructure, stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage, and drought management tools.
• Nearly 2,000 farmers will benefit from the expanded support, including those in 13 local government areas and 24 regional council areas in Victoria.
• The government has already supported 1,500 farmers with on-farm infrastructure works.
• The Victorian state budget will also include $900,000 for mental health support for farmers, which will go to the National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton.
• Direct financial support is available for farmers in 24 regional council areas in Victoria.

Statistics:

• $15.9 million: The total value of the expanded drought support package for farmers.
• $5,000: The amount provided by the on-farm infrastructure grants for farmers for improvements on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
• 1,500: The number of farmers already supported by government funds with on-farm infrastructure works.
• 13: The number of local government areas included in the expanded support package.
• 24: The number of regional council areas eligible for direct financial support.
• $900,000: The amount allocated for mental health support for farmers in the Victorian state budget.

Sources:

• "Victoria's drought support package expands," By Ross McLeod, published in *News.com.au*, no date provided.
• Statement by Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, no date provided.
• "Victoria Budget 2025: Mental Health Support for Farmers," Victorian Government Department of Treasury and Finance, no date provided.