Additional targeted support is now available for farmers in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District as part of the Victorian Government’s drought and dry conditions support package, now rolling out across the state.
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State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp and the government’s new Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey visited the Lancaster farm of Nick and Nicole Ryan recently to see how farmers in the GMID were working to make their farms resilient through difficult seasonal and market conditions.
The Ryans used an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant from the government’s previous drought support measures to upgrade their feeding operations.
The government’s new package continues this support and is now open for applications.
It provides grants of up to $5000 for drought infrastructure and pasture recovery as well as business-decision support if farmers need to make significant changes to their businesses.
Farmers who have received a similar drought infrastructure grant in the past 15 months are able to apply again, giving them extra support to future-proof their farms and build the resilience of their businesses.
“While we wish we didn’t have to do it, we’re proud to be providing support for farmers in the GMID — and we will keep working closely with them to help them prepare for difficult conditions into the future,” Mr Gepp said.
“I strongly encourage dairy farmers in the GMID and other drought-impacted areas across regional and rural Victoria to find out what support is available to assist them.”
The Andrews Government is providing other immediate support to dairy farmers, including a household financial relief program providing grants of up to $3000 for farming families in need, delivered by the Country Women’s Association.
The government will also be waiving fees for domestic and stock bore water licences and making available ongoing technical decision-making support and advice from industry experts at Agriculture Victoria.
For further information on support available, farmers are encouraged to call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or drop into the closest Agriculture Victoria office.
