Victorian farmers are highly resilient, adaptable and innovative. Nevertheless, there are circumstances of severe and prolonged dry conditions where self-reliance and sheer determination are not enough on their own.
The VFF is concerned that point has now been reached in parts of Victoria, particularly around the East Gippsland region.
In the past few weeks, VFF representatives have been busy meeting with senior members of both the State and Federal governments including the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the State Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford, the Shadow State Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh and the Department of Agriculture to highlight the need for prompt action.
With many of our members combatting dry conditions, late season frost events and high fodder and water prices going into spring, we are urging all levels of government to recognise the seriousness of this and step up their support for farmers in Victoria.
The welfare of farmers and rural communities during this time must be a key priority and we are urging the State Government to increase funding to mental health programs and community programs recognising that it is not just farm businesses but whole communities that are impacted by drought.
We are also calling for assistance in dealing with fixed costs, and have called for reductions in rural rates to support the countless farmers who have been slugged with excessive rate rises despite facing low levels of production and a greatly diminished capacity to pay.
Removing red tape must be a critical element of any effective drought response. Government must not wait until the situation is dire.
We need more than stop-gap, short-term measures. We need long term policy and infrastructure solutions.
