VFF responds to budget annoucements

VFF grains president Ross Johns said after decades of neglect, Victoria’s roads are in extremely poor condition.

“While we welcome this attention to roads, we challenge all parties to ensure that their 2018 election promises rise to the challenge and commit significant dollars to a long-term road funding program,” Mr Johns said.

“Agriculture not only needs roads to get goods to market but to receive the inputs required to grow our safe, sustainable and reliable agriculture products.”

VFF president David Jochinke said they welcomed the government’s investment into telecommunications infrastructure and water projects, but said there needs to be more funding for infrastructure outside of Melbourne.

“We welcome the Government’s $11 million commitment to improving telecommunications blackspots,” Mr Jochinke said.

“The Government has also committed money to several water projects including the East Grampians Water Supply Project and the Mitiamo Stock and Domestic pipeline, these are good initiatives.

“The VFF calls on all 2018 candidates and parties to prioritise agriculture and demonstrate a commitment to deliver for all Victorians on modernising infrastructure.”

He said the state desperately needs an energy plan, fit-for-purpose roads, accessible rail and ports and reliable telecommunications.

VFF vice president Brett Hosking said they were glad to see the Government’s investment into young Victorian farmers but thought there were some missed opportunities.

“The VFF asked the Government to lift the limit on the Young Farmer Stamp Duty Exemption, we are very pleased that the Government has listened and announced it will double the exemption to $600,000,” Mr Hosking said.

“Thanks to this increased exemption, more young farmers will now be able to buy land to begin their farm businesses.”

He said they were also pleased with the $16.1 million investment in the growing agricultural exports initiative. 

Mr Jochinke said while the budget had a strong focus on health, it failed to reach “all corners of the state”.

“We applaud the investment in mental health, in regional health programs and in regional hospitals however, on behalf of rural and regional Victorians we are still looking for better regional health care and new innovative ways to access treatment closer home,” Mr Jochinke said.