Rural Councils Victoria has acknowledged some breakthrough wins delivered by the Victorian Government’s Drought Response Taskforce, while warning significant challenges remain unresolved.
The Government has agreed to speed up access to interstate fodder, expand fodder delivery routes and fast-track kangaroo control permits for rural landholders.
Rural Councils Victoria is represented on the Taskforce by RCV Deputy Chair Cr Kate Makin (who is also the Mayor of the Corangamite Shire).
“These are steps in the right direction, but there’s still a mighty long way to go,” Cr Makin said.
RCV has been in constant dialogue with member councils about the types of supports rural communities require.
Cr Makin said there were key matters the Taskforce still needed to deliver on: subsidised council rates, fair loans and ongoing council supports.
“We need to be talking about how to deliver fully-funded rate subsidies for primary producers in drought zones, zero interest loans that don’t need to be matched by farmers, and direct funding for councils to boost local support programs and infrastructure spending.”
“These are common sense measures that would help farmers and local economies immediately,” Ms Makin said.
Other challenges raised by rural councils include the need for:
● Greater access to emergency water supplies, including assistance with delivery
● Household allowances to support families through hardship
● Boosted mental health supports
● A relaxation of roadside grazing rules
● The expansion of the Rural Financial Counselling Service
● More flexibility in the criteria for on-farm infrastructure support, and
● Additional support for community events and informal social opportunities to strengthen social bonds and reduce isolation.
RCV Chair Cr Rob Amos (Campaspe Shire) said Victoria needs a whole-of-government drought resilience strategy that integrates economic, health, environmental and community outcomes.
“Entire rural communities are feeling the strain, including farmers, families, shop owners and service businesses.”
Cr Amos said rural councils are on the frontline of the drought crisis and have unmatched local networks and relationships.
“Rural councils should be formally engaged in the co-design and delivery of drought response programs,” he said.
“They know their communities and are best placed to tailor efforts locally.”
He said as the peak representative body for rural communities, Rural Councils Victoria stands ready to assist with the strategic coordination of drought responses.
The Drought Taskforce is chaired personally by Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan.
Cr Rob Amos and Cr Kate Makin are available for interview.
Media contact: Ryan Sheales. Email | 0402 351 412
