Relief payments for drought-hit farmers in south-west Victoria

FARMERS across south-west Victoria will receive targeted financial relief to help manage the impact of ongoing drought conditions.

The Primary Producer Support Payments program is now being rolled out, offering eligible producers the equivalent of a 40 per cent reduction on their property rates.

Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said the program aimed to provide immediate cash-flow support for drought-affected farmers.

“We’re backing our farmers through this drought with immediate cash-flow relief, giving them the control to manage their budgets and meet their needs,” Ms Spence said.

“Reducing regulatory fees and waiving livestock duties will lower the cost of doing business for farmers and gives them one less thing to worry about.”

The program is being delivered in partnership with 12 local councils, including the Surf Coast, Colac Otway, Golden Plains, and Greater Geelong municipalities.

Farmers in these areas have endured some of the state’s worst drought conditions for more than two years.

The property rate relief forms part of the Victorian government’s $144 million Drought Support Package, which includes waivers of livestock duties and reductions in fees charged by PrimeSafe, Dairy Food Safety Victoria, and Agriculture Victoria.

The fee and duty reductions are expected to deliver more than $10 million in savings for producers over the next financial year.

More than 2,800 farmers have accessed Farm Drought Support Grants since the start of the package, while nearly 500 have used the free one-on-one decision-making support sessions.

In addition, more than 120 ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ events have been approved to support mental health in farming communities.

The Premier’s Drought Response Taskforce met last week and will continue monitoring seasonal and economic conditions in coming months.

For more information, head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or by phoning 136 186.