Council
3 July, 2025
Shire allocates $500,000 for farmers
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has allocated half a million dollars in its 2025-2026 Budget to a drought support package, recognising the pressures the drought is placing on the community.
Mayor councillor Kate Makin said specific programs were yet to be confirmed but the decision was made to allocate funding as the drought continues to have a significant impact on the community, placing additional strain on livelihoods and community wellbeing.
“Recognising the emotional and financial toll on our residents, council has committed half a million dollars to targeted support initiatives,” she said.
“The Victorian Drought Response Taskforce has met three times, in Camperdown, Shepparton and Ballarat.
“As a result of some very robust conversations around that table, the Victorian Government is considering its response in terms of the information collected and the views of taskforce members.”
Cr Makin said the south west had been in drought conditions longer than the rest of the state, and the arrival of cold weather hindering the growth of pasture and crops over the coming months meant urgent action was required.
“Once we know what the government will be providing, council will target those allocated funds so we don’t double up on the same areas,” she said.
“We know the effects of the drought extend far beyond farm gate to businesses, families and community groups so it’s important to provide a broad response that benefits our whole community.
“Council has been advocating strongly to State and Federal governments in relation to providing a range of support to affected farmers.”
The $55.6 million Budget focused on building a connected, thriving, healthy, active and resilient community while improving the environment and demonstrating strong community leadership.
“This Budget supports the strategic objectives outlined in the Community Vision 2040 and the new Council Plan 2025-2029,” Cr Makin said.
“It includes a rate increase of three per cent in line with the State Government rate cap.
“The waste management charge per eligible household will increase by 3.93 per cent, due to higher State Government levies and waste collection costs.
“Despite those and other cost pressures, the budget maintains existing service levels and funds necessary capital projects.
“We have allocated $16.7 million for capital works including – but not limited to – roads and bridges, footpaths, buildings, and plant and equipment.
“The Budget maintains council’s financial stability while introducing new initiatives to benefit the community.”
The Budget includes $8.4 million in roads, bridges and drainage, $3.51 million in plant and equipment and $2.87 million in waste management.
Major road rehabilitation works will include a $971,000 widening of Noogee Road west of Terang, a $342,000 upgrade of Sisters Noorat Road (near Racecourse Road, Noorat) and $305,000 for Bourkes Road (Thomson to Dow Street – High Street Service Road).
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