Rural councils have commended the Victorian Government for listening to advice and acting to ease the pressure on drought affected communities.
The Victorian Government has announced $75m of new supports, following deliberations by the state’s Drought Response Taskforce. Rural Councils Victoria was one of several stakeholder groups represented on the Taskforce.
RCV is particularly pleased the Victorian Government has adopted its proposal to fund direct rate relief for farmers.
“Council rate discounts will help farmers survive the drought,” RCV Chair Cr Rob Amos said.
“This will mean more cash back into farm budgets, straight away.”
Corangamite Mayor Cr Kate Makin — who has served as the RCV representative on the Drought Taskforce — said the rate relief will be welcomed by farmers.
“This is something our rural communities and member councils have been calling for, and we’re grateful it’s been picked up.”
The relief will take the form of $35.8 million in Primary Producer Support Payments, to be distributed by the rural councils of Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Golden Plains and West Wimmera, plus Surf Coast, Warrnambool and Greater Geelong.
RCV modelling forecasts the payments will cover about 40% of eligible farmers’ expected rates bills.
Cr Amos said Rural Councils Victoria is also pleased the Government has announced:
● Food and grocery support through additional funding for the Country Women’s Association ($2m)
● Development of new and improved water infrastructure through the East Grampians Pipeline ($15m) and upgrades to standpipes, emergency and private bores ($5.5)
● Funding to progress the South West Sustainable Water Strategy, to boost water resilience into the future ($3.5m)
● Ongoing funding for community programs, such as the ‘Look over the Farm Gate’ mental health program ($5.9m)
“It’s great the government has listened and acted, though there remains more to be done,” Cr Amos said.
“Farmers and rural communities across the state will need sustained support.”
Cr Rob Amos and Cr Kate Makin are available for interview.
Media contact: Ryan Sheales. Email | 0402 351 412
