Vic Government unveils expanded drought package and new taskforce

The Victorian Government is expanding its Drought Package as farmers across the state continue to grapple with rapidly deteriorating conditions.

While farmers waited with bated breath during May for rain to finally come, the much-needed, anticipated “autumn break” failed to eventuate.

In fact, over the past two weeks, majority of the state received just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall expected in May.

The latest reports from the Bureau of Meteorology suggest these conditions will likely to continue into June – leaving paddocks and damns as dry as ever and fodder prices double their usual cost.

Due to these worsening conditions, the Allan Labor Government will deliver a new and expanded Drought Package – supported by an additional $37.7 million in funding – to farmers across the state.

This new package will enable Victorian farmers to access grants of up to $5000 to support on-farm drought management improvements as well as financial counselling and mental health support.

In recognition of the ongoing impact of drought on farmers in the state’s south-west, these payments will be increased to $10,000 across 11 council areas and parts of West Wimmera. The program will also be expanded to cover water carting activities and pasture re-establishment across Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical and decision-making support has also been made available statewide, supporting farmers to manage the impacts of these increasingly drier conditions.

Additionally, a 12-month-pause has been placed on the controversial Emergency Services Levy increase, with all primary production properties across the state to be a reduced contribution – capped to the same amount they paid in 2024-25.  

Treasurer and Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said capping the rate for primary production properties will ensure farmers are able to remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery.”

In the announcement of this expansion Friday, the State Government also confirmed a further support package will be delivered in the coming weeks - informed by a dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce comprised of various ministers and representatives from the farming community.

The Taskforce’s first meeting will be held this week, with the further package of support to be delivered as soon as possible.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the new Taskforce will bring together Victorians from different communities, different backgrounds and different political parties.

“Most importantly, it’ll be focused on delivering real relief for farming communities,” she said.

“The increasingly devastating effects of drought aren’t confined by postcode or region – its impacting farmers across Victoria. It’s why we’re expanding support statewide.”

Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said this funding is about ensuring that no drought-impacted community is left behind, providing immediate relief to farming families across our state.