Drought

 

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Are you a farmer affected by drought? you’re not alone.
Find out what support is available and how to access it.

The Victorian Government is providing $67.2 million in direct support for farmers impacted by ongoing drought conditions across the state.

Some regions of Victoria are now facing serious rainfall shortages dating back to 2023. The dry autumn has made things tougher, with many farmers needing to make difficult decisions around destocking, securing feed, and managing limited on-farm water.

 

To help manage these challenges, a range of support options is available, including:

  • Grants for farm infrastructure improvements

  • Financial support for water and fodder management

  • Practical resources to build resilience and support recovery

Farm Drought Support Grants program

The Victorian Government has established the Farm Drought Support Grants program (previously known as the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants). It aims to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities that improves drought management and preparedness.

 

Grant Amounts:

  • Up to $5,000 (excluding GST) available for farmers across the Rural City of Wangaratta
    Eligible primary production businesses are required to provide dollar for dollar matching funding co-contribution.

     

Eligible Activities:

The grant covers activities like constructing a new or upgrading existing:

  • Stock Containment Areas (SCA);
  •  reticulated water systems;
  • irrigation system upgrades;
  • grain and fodder storage;
  • internal re-fencing to better match property layout;
  • feed system upgrades;
  • pasture/crop restoration; and
  • water carting for livestock and essential business activities.

Grants will be available from the date the program opens until program funds are fully allocated or 30 June 2026, whichever occurs first.

 

How to Apply:

Visit: Agriculture Victoria's Website Here to apply.

Contact Information:

For more information, to register your interest, or to clarify eligibility, please contact Rural Finance at:

admin@ruralfinance.com.au
or call 1800 260 425 during business hours.

Technical and Decision-Making Support

Agriculture Victoria’s technical and decision-making support program is available to farm businesses right across the state. These services will be delivered in partnership with a range of technical specialists to support farmers to manage the impacts of increasingly difficult conditions.

Topics include feed budgeting, water management, and business planning.

Farmers can register at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

The Drought Support Package builds on the existing supports already available to farmers across the state to prepare for and respond to drought.

For more information visit the Agriculture Victoria website or contact 136 186.

Managing Farm Finances



Farm Business Resilience Program

  • The program provides farmers with the opportunity to develop a plan for their farm business to have the confidence to better prepare for and manage risk, make changes and strengthen their farm business’s resilience.

  • The Farm Business Resilience (FBR) Program is supporting farmers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their farm business and be better equipped to manage the impacts of drought and a changing climate.

  • More information is available at the Agriculture Victoria website.


Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Taking care of yourself in tough times is as important as taking care of the farm.  Along with family and friends, there are wellbeing and mental health services available in the community to help you manage stress, including:


Rural Aid

Services: Provides mental health and emergency support for farmers and rural communities.

1300 327 624

contact@ruralaid.org.au

ruralaid.org.au


National Centre for Farmer Health

Services: Specializes in promoting the health and well-being of farmers and rural workers through medical, psychological, and well-being support.
 (03) 5551 8533
farmerhealth.org.au


Flying Doctor Wellbeing

Services: Wellbeing support for rural and remote communities, including mental health support and access to healthcare services.
 (03) 8412 0480
wellbeing@rfdsvic.com.au
flyingdoctor.org.au/vic/what-we-do/wellbeing/
(Royal Flying Doctor Service)

 

iFarmWell

Services: Provides resources and a support network for farming families and individuals to maintain mental and physical health.
ifarmwell.com.au
(Health and Aged Care Australia)

Lifeline

Services: Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
13 11 14 
giving@lifeline.org.au
 lifeline.org.au


Beyond Blue

Services: Offers support for those experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention services, available 24/7.
1300 22 4636 
beyondblue.org.au


Headspace

Services: Dedicated to supporting young people (12–25 years old) with mental health and well-being challenges.
1800 650 890 
headspace.org.au 

Agriculture Victoria Resources


Duties and Fees Relief Package

Agriculture Victoria is working with food and safety regulators Dairy Foods Safety Victoria, PrimeSafe, the State Revenue Office and the livestock advisory committees to deliver this support. The package includes measures to waive a raft of livestock biosecurity duties, plant biosecurity fees, beekeeper registration fees, food safety fees and other service charges, delivering more than $10 million in relief to Victorian producers.

For more information visit the Agriculture Victoria website or contact 136 186.

 

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