Regional Victoria Left Wanting in State Budget

The Victorian Farmers Federation says regional Victoria has been left wanting following this year’s State Budget, warning key funding gaps remain and major policy questions are still unresolved.

The peak body says the Budget has failed to address several key regional priorities, with limited detail provided on issues central to Victoria’s agriculture sector.

VFF Acting President Peter Star says many farmers will be disappointed by the lack of clarity, particularly in an election year.

He says uncertainty around the proposed Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund Levy continues to concern regional communities and remains a major issue for farmers.

While funding for road repairs has been welcomed, the Federation says it falls short of what is needed to address Victoria’s deteriorating regional road network.

The Budget also includes commitments for rural mental health, biosecurity and freight rail upgrades.

However, the VFF says overall investment does not reflect the sector’s contribution of more than 22 billion dollars to the Victorian economy.

Mr Star says farmers and regional Victorians are continuing to struggle under sustained drought and rising cost pressures, and stronger government support is both needed and expected, especially during an election year.