Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today announced the changes to funding programs to acknowledge the ongoing challenges farmers are facing dealing with drought, bushfires and coronavirus.
“We know there is continued financial pressure on farmers already dealing with drought and bushfire impact – we want to make sure they have access to all the services on offer from the government,” she said.
“We recognise supporting farmers through informed decision-making is more important than ever. Our support doesn’t just help farmers now, but sets farming communities up to adapt to more frequent and severe dry conditions in years to come.”
The maximum amount available for the On-Farm Drought Resilience Grant Program will increase from $5000 to $10,000. This means farmers can use up to $5,000 for farm business planning activities and $5000 for drought infrastructure investments.
The program now also allows applications for new equipment such as mobile phone booster technologies to improve access to the internet and online drought services, and items such as soil moisture probes.
Farmers in drought-affected areas also impacted by the bushfires will be able to reapply for the grant where their previously funded investment was destroyed or damaged.
The popular Farm Machinery Grant Program has also been extended to allow more farmers in the Millewa region to access these grants of up to $10,000. Farmers interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Victorian Farmers Federation.
While recent rainfall across much of the state has been a promising sign, many farmers still face a long road to recovery from years of dry conditions. The expanded funding grants will provide targeted help to where it is most needed.For more information on drought and dry seasonal conditions support and services visitagriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.
