The Victorian Government has announced funding to support a Victorian Farmer’s Federation (VFF)-led initiative to improve animal health and livestock practices across peri-urban areas of Victoria.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford has announced $388,875 over three years for the VFF Livestock Health & Biosecurity Victoria (LHBV) extension program.
The LHBV program provides practical information and support for animal health and biosecurity practices in peri-urban areas.
It aims to improve Victoria’s biosecurity status, livestock traceability and reduce the risk of an emergency animal disease outbreak by increasing the participation of peri-urban livestock producers and their understanding of regulatory obligations.
The funding will enable the VFF to hire four peri-urban livestock project officers over three years to work in periurban regions surrounding Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and other regional centres.
Victoria’s peri-urban regions’ populations are forecast to grow by an average of 45.3 per cent by 2031, and Labor Government has taken this measure to strengthen and support producers as populations grow.
The LHBV program is one of six biosecurity projects to share in more than $1.1 million under the Sheep and Goat Compensation Fund (SGCF), which collects livestock duties paid by producers on the sale of sheep and goats or their carcases in Victoria.
The SGCF was established under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994.
The Minister made the decision to support the proposals following advice from the Sheep and Goat Compensation Advisory Committee, which advises government on the allocation of funding to programs and projects that benefit their industries.
“We know the value of investing in biosecurity and protecting our world-renowned clean, green image,” Ms Pulford said.
“It’s why we’re taking steps to bolster the livestock industry’s ability to reduce animal disease risk.
“I thank the Advisory Committee for their advice to help guide our support for livestock industries across Victoria.”
VFF Livestock Group president Leonard Vallance said further dedicated resources within LHBV working closely with peri-urban producers, was crucial to protect Victoria’s $6.2 billion meat, milk and fibre industries and reduce the risk of an emergency disease outbreak that would damage the Victorian economy.
