Tuesday, 10 September 2019

In reply to  Ms LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (13 August 2019)

Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Resources):

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting farmers through drought and dry seasonal conditions. The government has provided over $50 million of additional support to enable farmers and communities to prepare for and manage dry conditions. This includes cash payments through the Farm Business Assistance Program, which eligible farmers can use however they choose, whether that be to pay rates, invest on-farm or bring in feed.

In May 2019, in response to dry seasonal conditions and high input costs, I announced an extra $2.7 million of support for Northern Victorian dairy farmers. This provided:

•   Additional support for the Rural Financial Counselling Service

•   Two Small Business Financial Counsellors

•   The establishment of a dedicated dairy transition support service delivered by the North East Rural Financial Counselling Service. This service is providing case management for dairy farmers looking to transition from the industry

•   A Rural Skills Connect program with Murray Dairy, which is supporting dairy farming families and farm workers seeking off-farm income to develop new skills and use their existing expertise to gain new employment.

My department continues to undertake analysis of the impact of ongoing dry conditions across Victoria and the likely outcomes from the 2019 growing season. This analysis will inform any potential further support for farm business and communities affected by drought and dry seasonal conditions.