General News
11 June, 2025
Extra drought support for Pyrenees Shire
FARMERS in Ararat Rural City will have access to additional drought funding announced by the Victorian Government.
While farmers were anxiously awaiting May rainfall, the latest weather data shows the anticipated “autumn break” has failed to eventuate, with the window for last minute rain to avoid a failed season closing completely.
Advice from Agriculture Victoria indicates that rainfall in May realised the worst-case scenario, projected at the start of the month.
Over the past two weeks, a majority of the state received just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall expected in May.
The latest reporting from the Bureau of Meteorology also indicates these conditions are likely to continue into June.
Together, these conditions have left paddocks and dams dry, with fodder prices doubled.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the Government will deliver a new and expanded drought package – supported by an additional $37.7 million in funding.
It means that farmers across our state are able to access grants of up to $5,000 to support on-farm drought management improvements, in addition to financial counselling and mental health support.
For farmers in Ararat Rural City and ten other south-west municipalities, these payments will be increased to $10,000.
The funding will also be expanded to cover water carting activities and pasture re-establishment across Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical and decision-making support has also been made available statewide, supporting farmers to manage the impacts of these increasingly drier conditions.
In addition, the government has announced a new Drought Response Taskforce comprising agricultural experts, the VFF, former Nationals Leader Peter Walsh, mental health experts, local government representatives and financiers.
Premier Allan said it was clear more support was needed. “The increasingly devastating effects of drought aren’t confined by postcode or region – its impacting farmers across Victoria. It’s why we’re expanding support statewide.”
“The new Taskforce will bring together Victorians from different communities, different backgrounds and different political parties. Most importantly, it’ll be focused on delivering real relief for farming communities,” she said.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the government’s drought response represents a step in the right direction.
“Farmers are doing it tough and some are facing the worst drought conditions in living memory.”
“This announcement offers a glimmer of hope and is recognition that the pressure we’ve applied is being heard. It’s a step in the right direction, but plenty more remains to be done,” he said.
Rural Councils Victoria has welcomed the establishment of a bipartisan Drought Response Taskforce, but warns more work is needed to support rural communities now.
The Taskforce is a welcome acknowledgement that the drought is biting, it's affecting huge swathes of Victoria and that more help is needed,” said Chair of Rural Councils Victoria Kate Makin.
"The real test will be action."
But the opposition says the drought announcement fails to deliver the immediate support farmers have been calling for and desperately need.
“While doubling drought resilience infrastructure grants and deferring the emergency services tax on agricultural land for a year may sound helpful, it does little to provide immediate support for farmers who are at breaking point,” she said.
Read More: Ararat