Council
4 June, 2025
Temporary backdown from ESVF levy
THE Victorian Government has announced more than $37 million in new drought funding, in addition to the establishment of a Drought Response Taskforce featuring two local faces.
Last Friday the Allan Labor Government announced it will extend its Drought Package to farmers state-wide.
The Victorian Government acknowledged the ‘autumn break’ had failed to eventuate in a worst-case scenario, and government advice indicated the conditions were likely to continue into June – conditions which have left paddocks and dams dry, with fodder prices doubled.
Due to these worsening conditions, the Labor Government announced it will deliver a new and expanded Drought Package with an additional $37.7 million in funding – building on the $29.4 million which had previously been announced.
Recognising the ongoing impact of drought on farmers in the south west, the on-farm drought management payments will be increased to $10,000 across 11 council areas and parts of west Wimmera.
The program 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 state-wide, supporting farmers to manage the impacts of these increasingly drier conditions.
“The increasingly devastating effects of drought aren’t confined by postcode or region – its impacting farmers across Victoria,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.
“It’s why we’re expanding support state-wide.
“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.”
As part of its Drought Package announced earlier in May, the government announced that farmers in 24 drought-impacted local government areas would pay a reduced Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) contribution – capped to the same amount they paid in 2024-25.
This will now be extended to all primary production properties – ensuring all farmers can focus on their drought response and recovery.
This will mean the ESVF variable rate on primary production properties will remain at 28.7 – the same as it was in 2024-25 – for the duration of the 2025-26 financial year.
This reduced rate will be applied to rates notices for primary production properties automatically.
“By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery,” Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said.
The Labor Government has also announced it will deliver a further package over the coming weeks.
While details on what the package will include were not provided, the package will be informed by a dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce.
The Taskforce will include 13 ministers and industry professions, including Member for Western Victoria and Minister for Water Gayle Tierney and Rural Councils Victoria deputy chair Kate Makin – the Corangamite Shire Council mayor.
“I’m honoured to represent Corangamite and rural communities across Victoria on this critical Taskforce,” Cr Makin said.
“Our farmers are facing incredibly tough conditions, and it’s vital that their voices are heard at the highest levels of government.
“This is not just about immediate relief, it’s also about ensuring the long-term resilience of our farming communities.
“I look forward to working with fellow Taskforce members to deliver practical, meaningful outcomes.”
The Taskforce will be chaired by Premier Allan, ensuring recommendations are heard by government to provide advice on further help for farmers, as well as broader support for impacted businesses and communities.
The Taskforce’s first meeting will be held over the coming days, with a further package of support to be delivered as soon as possible.
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