Drought support tops VFF budget wish list

May 5, 2025

The VFF has asked for an increased kangaroo harvesting quotas in drought-affected regions, among other requests in its budget wish list.

The VFF has called on the Victorian Government to ramp up drought support measures as part of its budget wish list.

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With the Victorian budget fast approaching, the VFF said the government must seize the opportunity to deliver immediate relief to drought-affected regions and invest in long-term preparedness and resilience.

The VFF called for:

An increase and expansion of the Drought Support Package currently targeted at south-west Victoria to include central Victoria, South Gippsland and West Gippsland, where drought conditions have intensified.
Increased and extended funding for the Farm Business Resilience Program to strengthen farm preparedness for future droughts.
Additional funding for rural financial counselling services to support farm businesses under stress.
Joint state and Commonwealth investment in strategic water infrastructure projects, particularly pipelines to secure stock and domestic water supply and investment in establishing and upgrading emergency water supply points.
Increased kangaroo harvesting quotas in drought-affected regions to reduce pressure on fragile pasture and water supplies.

UDV president Bernie Free said Victoria’s farmers were facing some of the driest conditions seen in decades.

“Feed is becoming increasingly scarce, water sources are drying up, and financial pressure is mounting,” Mr Free said.

“We now have multiple dairy regions across the state affected.

“Without further support from the state government, we risk long-term damage not just to farming families, but to entire rural communities.”

VFF Livestock Group president Scott Young said both long-term and short-term assistance is required.

“We need longer-term programs to help us prepare for the next drought,” Mr Young said.

“But new troughs won’t help when there’s no water to put in them today.

“We need serious investment in immediate financial relief, and programs that actually reflect the reality on the ground.”

The VFF said it would continue to provide direct feedback to the Victorian Government and urges stronger, immediate action to support farmers and rural communities facing one of the most challenging seasons in decades.