VFF president Brett Hosking said the announcement follows the second meeting of the Victorian Government’s Drought Response Taskforce and the decision will benefit drought-hit farmers.
“Farmers in the south-west can’t get their hands on fodder quick enough,” Mr Hosking said.
“This expanded road train network will remove red-tape and allow larger trucks into the region to deliver much-needed fodder for stock.
“Farmers and transporters have been telling us the barriers around getting fodder into these drought-hit areas in the quantities needed has been one of their major frustrations and this move will go a long way to fixing that.”
Mr Hosking added the move to enhance measures to improve the management of kangaroo populations and streamline the Authority to Control Wildlife permit process was also welcome.
The VFF has been working closely with the government, industry stakeholders and farmers to deliver targeted relief as Victoria’s record drought continues.
“We’ve been working on the expansion of the road train network and the cut to red-tape for some time,” Mr Hosking said.
“Farmers have enough to deal with at the moment and this is a step in the right direction.
“This is a great example of industry, farmers, regulators and the government working together to get things done.
“The impact of this drought will be with us for some time and we need to ensure all levers are pulled to support those doing it tough.”
