General News
21 July, 2025
Additional $75M for farmers
The Victorian government has announced an additional $75 million to support farmers during the drought, and the Victorian Farmers Federation has called it a step in the right direction.
The total support package has now been brought to $144 million as parts of the state continue to face record drought conditions.
Quambatook farmer and VFF President Brett Hosking said the additional funding is a result of the federation's continued advocacy and the efforts of farmers across the state.
"You can't overstate how devastating this drought has been to our regional communities and the only certainty we know is the recovery will take years," he said.
"Genuine support is what's needed and this announcement is a step in the right direction."
The state is also investing $15 million in completing the East Grampians Rural Pipeline, which will be vital in coping with future droughts.
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water will also invest $15.6 million towards the project, and we will continue to work with the state government to seek a Commonwealth funding contribution to deliver the project in full.
This pipeline expansion will increase access to a reliable and high-quality water supply from Lake Fyans to around 750 additional rural properties, 10 local towns, 34 fire hydrants, and 66 tanks for firefighting in the Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians, and Pyrenees Shire.
"We've been calling for this for some time and have been working hard to make this key infrastructure a reality," Mr Hoskings said.
"We are now just waiting for the Federal Water Minister, Murray Watt, to confirm their co-contribution and work can commence on getting this done."
The additional support includes $35.8 million for 12 South West Victoria councils to administer targeted drought relief, $3.5 million towards a South West water strategy, and $2 million for the Country Women's Association to roll out food and grocery support of up to $ 1,000 per household.
It also includes $6.3m to cover the cost of farmer exemptions on government fees, $5.5m for standpipes, emergency and private bores, $1m for Catchment Management Authority employment programs, and $5.9m to continue the Look over the Farm Gate program and continue funding of Agriculture Victoria's farm technical decision making program.
Victorian minister for agriculture and acting minister for water, Ros Spence, said the additional funding will improve resilience and water security for farmers across the state.
"Cashflow relief was one of the major items raised with the Taskforce, which is why we're helping farmers to create more room in their budgets to deal with the cost pressures they are facing in drought."
"Responding to the Taskforce and our regional communities, we are investing in both short-term solutions and legacy infrastructure to improve resilience and water security for farmers and their communities."