Thursday, 30 October 2025

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:46): Despite some rainfall, drought continues to hit hard across many parts of Victoria. Informed by the drought taskforce, the Allan Labor government committed $3 million to review, construct and refurbish priority emergency water supply points. Victoria has a network of roughly 300 emergency water supply points managed by local councils and water corporations, providing vital water carting sources in dry times. We have worked with the community to identify works we can commence immediately, and I thank the drought taskforce members for their input and their participation.

We have identified an urgent need to fast-track works at 13 sites in the Moyne, Glenelg, Ararat, Mitchell and Baw Baw local government areas. This will ensure that emergency water supply points are fully functional and accessible for summer. Today I am pleased to announce that I will be releasing an initial investment of $500,000 from the fund to equip these urgent upgrades. We will have more to say on where the rest of the fund will be spent following the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action completing its broader review with the community. This further detailed work is critical to confirm if the remainder of the investment is best directed to a single major works package or smaller investments across the state. Because access to water is crucial to protect our farming families, our food supply, and the jobs and communities that rely upon it, the Allan Labor government will always support farmers and will always deliver for our regions.