Council
16 July, 2025
Council welcomes drought funding package
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has welcomed the State Government’s $35.8 million funding announcement to help farmers and rural communities feeling the devastating impact of drought.
Mayor councillor Kate Makin said the funding was much-needed but more would be needed in coming weeks, months and years to keep businesses and farmers afloat.
“The drought is biting beyond the farm gate but ultimately if we support our farmers the flow-on effects will be huge as they, in turn, support the businesses in the towns,” she said.
“It’s encouraging that the government has acknowledged the needs of our communities and we thank them for the latest funding announcement.
“They have listened to what is being said in the street, on the farm, around the Drought Response Taskforce and in Council Chambers like ours.
“Drought has been affecting farm businesses here in the south west with flow-on impacts for their suppliers, households and other services in our local communities.
“Recovery is likely to take years so it’s vital that the state and fgederal governments find the resources to keep businesses afloat until the tide turns.”
The State Government’s Primary Producer Support Payments will provide eligible farmers with the equivalent of a 40 per cent reduction on their property rates.
Next month Local Government Victoria will pay a lump sum to councils which will distribute the payments.
Cr Makin has been a member of the Drought Response Taskforce in her role as Rural Councils Victoria deputy chair.
“It was encouraging to hear Premier Jacinta Allen say the new funding was about backing the people who feed our state and the regional communities that keep our state strong.
“Regional Victoria is the food bowl for the state and the country, so it benefits everyone in the city too by ensuring food security and affordable pricing during a cost-of-living crisis.”
The latest support package also includes household payments up to $1000 for struggling families, technical support, mental health services and debt mediation.
For more information, go to premier.vic.gov.au/backing-our-farmers-through-drought.
Cr Makin said council’s Rates and Charges Collection and Hardship Policy recognises the need for respect and compassion when people need support in difficult times.
“The policy aims to help property owners manage payment in a way that is acceptable to them and council, fairly, confidentially and in compliance with legal requirements,” she said.
“For advice on how that may fit your situation, call council on 5593 7100.”
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available to drought impacted farmers visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
Council has drought support information at corangamite.vic.gov.au/ DroughtSupport.
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