The Victorian Government has announced an additional $15.9m in drought and dry season support, extending the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program and related assistance to more farming communities across the state.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence confirmed the funding expansion last week, which brings the total value of the state’s direct drought support package to $29.4m. The latest announcement adds 13 new Local Government Areas (LGAs) and French Island to the eligibility list, building on the $13.5m package unveiled in September.
Minister Spence said: “I’ve heard directly from farmers about the impact drought conditions are having on our communities – we’re continuing to back them with the support they need to tackle the challenging dry conditions across the state.”
“We’ve already supported more than 1500 primary producers with on-farm infrastructure and now we’re expanding that support as drought conditions persist across south-west Victoria and are now impacting south Gippsland and other areas of the state.”
The expanded program now includes the following LGAs: West Wimmera, Horsham Rural City, Northern Grampians, Hepburn, Moorabool, Ballarat, Towong, Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Cardinia, Baw Baw, Casey, South Gippsland, and French Island. The grants will continue to be available in the original 11 southwest LGAs.
More than 1500 farmers in southwest Victoria have already accessed the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants, which support investments in practical solutions such as stock containment areas, water infrastructure, and pasture renovation.
Regional Drought Coordinator Ralph Cotter said: “Farmers experiencing tough drought and dry conditions are urged to reach out. We are here to help through connecting you with the financial grants, technical advice or wellbeing support to help you navigate this difficult time.”
To support local agribusiness resilience, the package also includes funding for a Small Business Financial Counsellor for drought-affected areas. Meanwhile, Agriculture Victoria will offer statewide access to farm business technical and decision-making services to help producers navigate challenging seasonal conditions.
In response to the increasing mental health toll of prolonged dry periods, the Government is launching a new community-based support program for farmers across Victoria. An additional $900,000 from the 2025/26 State Budget will also go to the National Centre for Farmer Health to continue delivering health and wellbeing resources for rural communities.
This funding is in addition to Victoria’s $10.2m investment through the Commonwealth’s Future Drought Fund and $4.1m allocated to the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
Agriculture Victoria will continue monitoring seasonal conditions ahead of spring and ensure targeted support reaches the farmers who need it most.
The full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available to drought impacted farmers is available through the Agriculture Victoria website or by phoning 136 186.