THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the delayed Victorian Budget 2019-20, noting some positive commitments but a number of glaring funding gaps for agriculture.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are pleased to see significant resourcing for essential areas such as biosecurity and fit-for-purpose roads, which benefit all Victorians,\u201d said Mr David Jochinke, VFF President.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also welcome the Government\u2019s focus on farm safety with a campaign to promote on-farm safety, farmer health checks, and two additional farm safety officers at the VFF to help us drive a culture of zero accidents and deaths on farm.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe VFF congratulates the Government on its $7.2 million in support for agriculture careers, including training for shearers, also the cutting of regional payroll tax to 25 per cent of the metropolitan rate by 2022-23 is also great news for growing regional businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there are some significant promises, the Government has missed an opportunity to fund dedicated agriculture liaison officers in Victoria Police to help fight farm crime.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe could not find any mention of the rural and regional energy network, or desperately needed rates relief while we wait for the rates review to unfold.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of our farmers across the State are still experiencing drought and it was frustrating not to see a greater focus on support and adaptation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the project is funded, it is disappointing that there is no clear commitment on a completion date for the Murray Basin Rail Project\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cPremier Andrews noted that this Budget delivers \u2018wealth, momentum and opportunity\u2019, we would like to see this apply to all communities and industries across Victoria.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we are to continue as the \u2018strongest performing economy in the country\u2019, agriculture needs to be front and centre as one of our greatest economic assets.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot afford to ignore the contribution agriculture makes and the conditions required to help it grow.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the delayed Victorian Budget 2019-20, noting some positive commitments but a number of glaring funding gaps for agriculture. \u201cWe are pleased to see significant resourcing for essential areas such as biosecurity and fit-for-purpose roads, which benefit all Victorians,\u201d said Mr David Jochinke, VFF President. \u201cWe also welcome the […]<\/p>\n