Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Drought relief

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (19:05): (1608) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Agriculture. The action I seek is for the government to commit to urgent and comprehensive drought support measures for farmers in my electorate and across regional Victoria. The extended dry conditions are putting immense pressure on farming families and rural communities. Many farmers are struggling to access basic necessities to keep their operations going. They are experiencing dwindling water supplies and financial stress and facing emotional exhaustion. I have heard from farmers and residents who are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase hay and feed for their livestock. Prices have skyrocketed and supplies are becoming scarce. Without adequate feed, farmers face heartbreaking decisions about destocking or reducing herds. Water security is also a critical issue. Families are having to purchase truckloads of water just to keep their homes and farms functioning. At the same time, farmers are unable to clean out dams and repair vital water infrastructure, because they simply do not have the resources. These works are essential to ensure farms are ready to capture and store water when the rain returns once more.

The financial stress on farming families cannot be overstated. Many are juggling mounting debts while their incomes dwindle. They are also fearful of the government’s proposed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which will mean that they are facing an increase of an incredible 189 per cent. I recently attended a community meeting in Baringhup, where landholders discussed how fearful they are of these new charges, and it will mean thousands of dollars to some families. Today on the steps of Parliament we had farmers protesting against the introduction of this levy. This is leading to profound mental health challenges in our regional communities, and I have spoken with farmers who feel overwhelmed and very uncertain about the future. It is critical the government provides not only financial assistance but also mental health support services that are accessible, timely and tailored to the unique challenges faced by people living and working on the land. I acknowledge that some assistance measures are currently in place, but this is simply not enough given the scale of this crisis. Last September the government announced a $13 million package to help farmers, while South Australia is providing $73 million in freight subsidies, mental health support and emergency tax rebates. In Victoria, fodder is scarce and freight costs are spiralling. Farmers are being forced to make impossible decisions just to keep stock alive. We need a comprehensive package of support. The Victorian Farmers Federation has also called for urgent support in the upcoming state budget.

Farmers are the backbone of our state’s food production and a vital part of our economy. When farmers suffer, so does the rest of our state. The action I seek is for the minister to provide immediate targeted help to drought-affected areas, including but not limited to subsidised fodder and feed supplies for livestock, subsidised water supply for agriculture purposes and financial assistance with fodder and water delivery.