Rural Councils Victoria welcomes the establishment of a bipartisan Drought Response Taskforce, but warns more work is needed to support rural communities now.
The Premier, Jacinta Allan, has announced she will personally Chair the new Taskforce, which also includes Corangamite Mayor Kate Makin as a representative of Rural Councils Victoria.
Cr Makin (who is also the Deputy Chair of Rural Councils Victoria) described the Taskforce as a positive step.
“The Taskforce is a welcome acknowledgement that the drought is biting, it’s affecting huge swathes of Victoria and that more help is needed.”
“The real test will be action.”
“I’m hopeful the Taskforce can help design further measures the Victorian Government will take to support rural communities.”
As part of today’s announcement, Victoria will spend an extra $37.7 million helping farmers though small cash grants and additional funding for financial counselling and mental health support.
The Victorian Government also confirmed it would pause the introduction of the flawed and unfair Emergency Servcices Volunteers Fund levy.
“The real test will be action.”
RCV Chair Rob Amos said this was a half-measure — but welcome all the same.
“The ESVF is a bad tax that will do great harm to rural communities. We would still like to see its full removal.”
“But delaying its implementation is very welcome.”
“It’s at least a sign the government has listened and is taking action to remove some immediate financial burdens from primary producers.”
Cr Amos said Rural Councils Victoria will work supporting the Taskforce and Ms Allan, to ensure the government delivers the extra support rural communities need.
“The government can’t make it rain, but we do expect it to adequately support rural communities through the tough times,” Cr Amos said.
Cr Rob Amos and Cr Kate Makin are available for interview.
Media contact: Ryan Sheales. Email | 0402 351 412
