Thursday, 15 May 2025

Eastern Victoria Region

Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:47): (1577) Dairy farmers in Eastern Victoria are facing a severe drought crisis. In South Gippsland, Baw Baw, Bass Coast and Latrobe feed is scarce and stock water is running low. GippsDairy is currently supporting five farms that have already gone dry, and over 30 more are expected to run out within weeks. A typical 350-cow farm requires more than 63,000 litres of water every single day. Farmers are exhausted, working double time just to keep animals alive. Meanwhile the South Australian government is providing direct drought support, including transport subsidies. Victorian farmers across the board have received nothing. This is not fair. It is a risk to animal welfare, mental health and regional productivity. My question is for the Minister for Agriculture: what immediate, targeted drought support across Victoria are you going to deliver, including subsidies for stock water transport? The time for watching is over, and it is desperate. Action is needed now.