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VFF calls for urgent drought support in Victorian budget

May 5, 2025

The South Australian Government has delivered a multi-million dollar drought package to the state’s farmers. The Victorian Government is being asked for similar support. Photo: AAP/ Dave Hunt.

The Victorian Farmers Federation has called on the Victorian Government to ramp up drought support measures as farmers across the state face worsening conditions.

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With the Victorian state budget fast approaching on May 20, the VFF said the government must seize the opportunity to deliver immediate relief to drought-affected regions and invest in long-term preparedness and resilience.

This is after the South Australian Government delivered a multi-million dollar drought package — including direct support for farmers and small businesses, and investment in water infrastructure.

The VFF said Victoria risked falling behind and without immediate action, the impacts on regional communities and the state’s vital food and fibre supply chains could be devastating.

The VFF called for:

An increase and expansion of the Drought Support Package currently targeted at south-west Victoria to include central Victoria, South Gippsland and West Gippsland, where drought conditions have intensified.
Increased and extended funding for the Farm Business Resilience Program to strengthen farm preparedness for future droughts.
Additional funding for rural financial counselling services to support farm businesses under stress.
Joint state and Commonwealth investment in strategic water infrastructure projects, particularly pipelines to secure stock and domestic water supply and investment in establishing and upgrading emergency water supply points.
Increased kangaroo harvesting quotas in drought-affected regions to reduce pressure on fragile pasture and water supplies.

VFF United Dairyfarmers Victoria president Bernie Free said Victoria’s farmers were facing some of the driest conditions seen in decades.

“Feed is becoming increasingly scarce, water sources are drying up, and financial pressure is mounting,” Mr Free said.

“We now have multiple dairy regions across the state affected.

“Without further support from the state government, we risk long-term damage not just to farming families, but to entire rural communities.”

The VFF said it would continue to provide direct feedback to the Victorian Government and urged stronger, immediate action to support farmers and rural communities facing one of the most challenging seasons in decades.