Community
25 July, 2025
Further drought funding announced
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed an additional $75 million in state government drought support funding.
The VFF labelled this latest round a “step in the right direction” as parts of the state continue to battle record drought conditions.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the continued support was sorely needed and testament to the sustained advocacy from VFF, farmers and the wider regional community.
“You can’t overstate how devastating this drought has been to our regional communities and the only certainty we know is the recovery will take years,” Mr Hosking said.
“Genuine support is what’s needed and this announcement is a step in the right direction.”
Mr Hosking said the VFF’s expectation was the entirety of funding would be allocated to local councils “fully and promptly” to be passed onto drought-hit communities without delay.
“Our communities are hurting right now and it’s my expectation that this money goes directly to drought-hit farmers straight away and paid in full,” he said.
“Immediate rate relief is a good example of how that can be done and is something we’ve been calling for.”
Mr Hosking said the funding was welcome, but cautioned the need for support would extend far beyond what had been allocated.
“We’re in this for the long haul and whilst we thank the state government for its support, by no means are we out of the woods just yet,” he said.
“VFF has employed a drought support officer to speak with farmers and rural communities and we will continue to monitor conditions and ensure the government is informed to provide further support to farmers as the season continues.”
