Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, state Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell called for urgent action, noting that only one shire in the region — Towong — currently qualifies for the state's $29 million drought support grant program.
“The Victorian Government must include all the municipalities of northern Victoria region in the list of areas eligible for drought relief, and increase the funding available,” Ms Lovell said.
The state's current assistance program, offering co-contribution grants for on-farm infrastructure works, pales in comparison to South Australia's more substantial $73 million commitment.
“The government's current drought package is a support package for future droughts, but Victorian farmers need a support package for this drought,” Ms Lovell said.
A Liberal Party motion in parliament seeking expanded support for farmers received unanimous backing, with Ms Lovell advocating for financial assistance towards fodder and water delivery alongside subsidised water for agricultural use.
“Animals are starving, the price of hay and feed is going through the roof, and what farmers need right now is direct financial assistance to help feed livestock, and transport subsidies,” Ms Lovell said.
Recent hikes to the fire services levy have further exacerbated the situation.
“The Allan Labor Government's tripling of the fire services levy for farmers at the very time Victoria is suffering from drought is cruel and should be reversed,” Ms Lovell said.
The office of the minister for agriculture has been contacted for comment.
