The 2023-24 Victorian state budget included an investment into biosecurity, wins for alcohol producers and an additional focus on growing the agri-food sector.
The budget released on Tuesday, May 23, allocated $17.5 million to improve biosecurity protections, with a key focus to ensure rapid response detection should an outbreak occur, including foot-and-mouth disease.
The funds will focus on strengthening skills, training and equipment into emergency disease detection, and an additional $3 million investment into farm safety programs across the state.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney said "We're backing our world-class agriculture industry and the Victorians who rely on it, helping farmers access new markets at home and overseas and future-proofing the sector against pests and diseases."
READ MORE:
Wine and beverage producers have also received funding in this year's budget, with the continuation of the Distillery Door grant program receiving $10 million, a match of last financial year's allocation, while the Wine to the World program will receive $5 million.
The agri-food industry is one of five industries to share in $2 billion as part of a Victorian initiative to provide investment and support in the industries futures.
Other industries include, advanced manufacturing, the clean economy, digital technologies, and health and life sciences.
Holly McGuinness
Holly is a journalist for Australian Community Media, covering South Coast, NSW. As a born and bred Shoalhaven local, she's passionate about covering community concerns and amplifying local voices. To get in contact, email holly.mcguinness@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Holly is a journalist for Australian Community Media, covering South Coast, NSW. As a born and bred Shoalhaven local, she's passionate about covering community concerns and amplifying local voices. To get in contact, email holly.mcguinness@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
