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

On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants

The Victorian Government is providing practical support to farmers in Wangaratta through the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant Program. This program helps eligible farmers implement on-farm infrastructure upgrades to better manage the immediate impacts of drought and build long-term resilience for future conditions.

Grant Amounts:

  • Up to $5,000 available for farmers across the Rural City of Wangaratta

Eligible Activities:

Eligible farmers can apply for grants to support on-farm infrastructure improvements including:

  • Upgrading water infrastructure.

  • Establishing stock containment areas.

  • Installing grain and fodder storage facilities.

  • Implementing drought management tools such as soil moisture monitors and weather stations.

The program has also been expanded to include:

  • Water carting activities.

  • Pasture re-establishment, recognising the broad pressures farmers are managing.

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

 

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