The Albanese Labor Government is committed to helping farmers in Western Victoria and across the state experiencing ongoing dry conditions with a range of options for support.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, visited Pomborneit to highlight Australian Government support programs that can be accessed at any time.
Right now, farmers can draw down on their Farm Management Deposit holdings, reach out to the Rural Financial Counselling Service for assistance, seek a concessional loan via the Regional Investment Corporation and access the Farm Household Allowance (if eligible) when they have taken a significant financial hit.
These programs are always available because dry conditions don't hit everyone at the same time, and it is important those needing support can access it as soon as they need it.
As well as individual financial support, the Australian Government-funded Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs (also known as Drought Hubs) work to increase drought resilience across the sector.
Minister Collins visited the South-West Drought Hub Node in Inverleigh to learn more about the Victorian Drought Hub model and see some of their ongoing resilience research.
The Albanese Labor Government has been working with the Victorian Government to support farmers dealing with dry conditions.
This reflects the approach under the National Drought Agreement (2024-2029) which was recently agreed to by all jurisdictions. The agreement sets out responsibilities and allows different levels of government to work collaboratively and prevent duplication.
The Future Drought Fund (FDF) in partnership with the Victorian Government funds the Farm Business Resilience Program which supports farmers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their farm business and be better equipped to manage the impacts of drought and a changing climate.
