Victoria Delivers Fee Relief for Drought-Affected Farmers

The Victorian Government has announced over $10 million in fee and duty relief for primary producers facing drought conditions, as part of its $144 million Drought Support Package.

From now until 2026, livestock duties for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs will be waived. Fees for beekeepers and nursery producers are also suspended, while dairy farmers will receive automatic licence fee discounts in their milk payments.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said the relief will "put cash back into the pockets of drought-affected farmers to help them manage cashflow challenges,” and acknowledged the collaboration of regulatory bodies during this period.

Additional support includes waived fees for NLIS tag processing and food safety registrations in the hardest-hit southwest LGAs. PrimeSafe licensees may also qualify for direct payments.

Farmers can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186 to learn more about the package and eligibility.