Council
4 July, 2025
Tehan calls for farmer support
WHILE recent rainfall brought some welcome relief to drought-stricken farmers across the district, Wannon MP Dan Tehan is urging the state government to provide urgent support.
“The recent rain was certainly a welcome sight but it’s not enough to end the drought or alleviate the enormous, ongoing stress to farming communities,” Tehan said.
“We need continued rain to replenish water supplies and support pasture growth while long-term recovery will require additional support.”
He urged both the state and federal governments to provide “immediate support” for struggling farmers.
And with more cold weather and rain on the horizon, farmers say there will be no meaningful grass growth for another two or three months.
This puts huge strain on dairy farmers and livestock producers who have already spent, in many cases, thousands of dollars on feed for stock – often having to pay transport costs for interstate freight.
“Our rural communities can’t afford to wait any longer,” Tehan said.
“We’re demanding interest-free loans, rate relief and fodder subsidies.
“And the state government’s emergency services and volunteers fund levy must go. Softening the blow for farmers by capping their levy at last year’s rate is a deferral, not a fix.
“The pain is simply being postponed, with an even steeper hike likely next year to make up the shortfall. A delay is not acceptable. This unfair levy hike must be scrapped permanently.”
