As farmers grapple with rapidly deteriorating conditions, the State Government has announced it will extend its Drought Package to farmers statewide, which has pleased East Gippsland Shire who have been fighting to support local famers in need.
“(The) announcement by the Premier that the Victorian Government will extend its drought package to farmers statewide is an important acknowledgement for farmers north of Swifts Creek who are experiencing ongoing dry seasonal conditions,” mayor Cr John White said.
“We are pleased our calls for support for this part of our farming community have been heard, particularly after they were left out of drought-assistance packages only a week ago.
“The government today also confirmed it would pause the introduction of the flawed and unfair Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy on primary producers.
“The ESVF variable rate on primary
production properties will remain at 28.7 – the same as it was in 2024-25 – for the duration of the 2025-26 financial year.
“This is a significant acknowledgement that primary producers were going to be severely impacted by the ESVF tax. It’s a sign the government has listened and is taking some action to remove some immediate financial burdens from all primary producers.
“For us, (the) announcement is step one in having the ESVF scrapped in its entirety.
“Unfortunately, this temporary backdown from the government does not reduce the ESVF levy burden on residential and commercial ratepayers.”
Advice from Agriculture Victoria indicated that rainfall in May realised the worst-case scenario, projected at the start of the month.
Over the past two weeks, a majority of the state received just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall expected in May.
The latest reporting from the Bureau of Meteorology also indicates these conditions are likely to continue into June. Together, these conditions have left paddocks and dams dry, with fodder prices doubled.
The government will deliver a further package of support in the coming weeks – informed by a dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce. The Taskforce will include:
– Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
– Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
– Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
– Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Michaela Settle
– Nationals MP for Murray Plains Peter Walsh
– President of the Victorian Farmers Federation Brett Hosking
– Regional Cities Victoria Chair, Cr Shane Sali
– Rural Councils Victoria Deputy Chair, Cr Kate Makin
– Dr Susan Brumby, National Centre for Farmers Health
– CWA Victoria President, Jenny Nola
– Stock Agent Representative, Heath Templeton – President of the Hamilton and District Stock Agents Association
– NAB Executive for Regional and Agribusiness, Khan
Horne
– Robert Musgrove, General Manager, Corporate and Public Affairs, Bendigo Bank
The Taskforce will be chaired by the Premier – ensuring recommendations are heard at the heart of government –and provide advice on further help for farmers, as well as broader support for impacted businesses and communities.
The Taskforce’s first meeting will be held next week, with a further package of support to be delivered as soon as possible.
