Drought Support Offers No Relief for Farmers

Published on 16 May 2025

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin has expressed deep disappointment in the latest drought support package and the new Emergency Services Volunteer Levy (ESVF) announced by the Allan Labor Government, arguing that both measures fail to adequately address the mounting financial pressure faced by farmers already grappling with challenging and worsening dry conditions.

Mayor Heslin acknowledged the government’s commitment to providing funding for drought relief but criticised the package as being insufficient and poorly targeted.

“Our farmers are doing it tough—many are so close to the brink. They’ve been hand-feeding stock since early 2024 and are now carting water which is crippling cash flow and the ability to borrow any further. “Instead of real, tangible relief, the State Government are offering them partial measures that fail to address the reality of what they need to keep their businesses and families afloat,” Mayor Heslin said.

“While infrastructure grants and financial counselling are helpful, they don’t tackle the core issue which is the crushing financial burden that drought has placed on our farming communities. Wellbeing support won’t buy feed for stock – it’s simply not practical and shows a lack of understanding or compassion about what our farmers are dealing with on the ground.”

“Additionally, the measures introduced yesterday aren’t new at all, they’re simply an extension of those offered last year, and what’s more, those who received support last year aren’t eligible to apply again – I fail to see how this is providing any kind of real help for our farmers,” Cr Heslin continued.

Mayor Heslin also took aim at the newly introduced Emergency Services Volunteer Levy, which imposes additional costs on rural landholders to fund emergency services.

“This levy is yet another blow to farmers who are already buckling under financial strain,” Heslin stated. “It places an unfair burden on those who are the backbone of our regional economy and our rural fire service, asking them to foot the bill for emergency services at a time when they are struggling just to survive.”

Heslin argued that while emergency services require adequate funding, farmers should not be forced to shoulder these additional costs while receiving only partial rebates if they meet narrow eligibility criteria.

“The Victorian State Government must do better. The South Australian farmers just over the border have access to a $73 million dollar relief package from the SA Government and the Queensland Government are supporting their rural communities impacted by flooding with $160 million in relief funding.

“Victorians need direct financial relief, meaningful drought recovery support, and a fairer funding model that doesn’t target those who can least afford it.”

In October 2024, the State Government released its Victoria's Drought Preparedness and Response Framework, which includes moving away from formal declaration of extreme conditions such as drought and redirecting the focus to community preparedness and resilience.

“If the drought support package announced this week and the imposition of the levy are an indication of the State’s approach to focusing on community resilience, our rural communities are facing an exceptionally challenging period,” concluded Cr Heslin.

Southern Grampians Shire Council urges the State Government to reconsider its approach and provide immediate and substantial support that genuinely alleviates financial distress in farming communities.