Drought support for farmers

A PACKAGE of support has been announced by the State Government for farmers in Victoria’s south-west region.

More than $13 million of on-farm infrastructure grants are open to farmers in the Golden Plains Shire.

“I’ve heard directly from farmers in the south west about the impact drought conditions are having on our communities, and this package will drive the long term resilience the south west needs,” said Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence.

Eligible farmers can receive up to $5000 as a co-contribution grant to go towards upgrades to pipes, tanks, troughs, dams, stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.

More than $1 million will also go towards counselling and advice for farmers to help them make informed financial decisions and a drought regional coordinator will be appointed to help the support reach communities.

“Farmers in Victoria’s south west are facing the lowest rainfall on record, and we’re stepping in to support them,” said premier Jacinta Allan.

“Victorians are proud of our world-class produce, and we’ll always support our world-class producers.”

The grants are also open to farmers in the Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Surf Coast, West Wimmera, Ararat and Pyrenees regions.