The state government has announced it will be putting more money aside for improved on-farm drought proofing, as well as irrigation systems.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said some of the $169 million set aside, in this year’s budget for modernising Victoria’s irrigation system, would go towards investments in water efficiencies and improved farm layouts.
“This is a direct reflection of the conversation we have been having with farmers affected by drought, across the state,” Ms Pulford said. “Generally our farmers’ expectations that we will return to 10-year-old rainfall averages are pretty low and farmers are telling us then need support to respond to what has been a step change, in rainfall.”
The $59.6m set aside for on-farm drought proofing was in addition to $4.2m, towards a farm debt mediation scheme.
“It will be delivered through the small business portfolio, it enables farmers to access the information they need to make changes to their businesses as required, because so many of our farmers are under pressure, due to drought,” Ms Pulford said.
"Farmers are telling us they need support to respond to what has been a step change, in rainfall.”
- Jaala Pulford