FOOD and grocery support and more funding for mental health are among latest announcements from the State Government’s drought taskforce.
The food support funding of $2 million will be administered through the Country Women’s Association while there will be $5.9 million in funding for community programs, such as the Look over the Farm Gate.
Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said that after three regional meetings, Premier Jacinta Allan’s drought response taskforce might have got its solutions package “about half right”.
Mr Walsh, who was invited onto the taskforce by the Premier, said her announcement funding to the drought declared shires would see farming council rates cut as much as 40 per cent in the next billing cycle was a step in the right direction – but only a small step.
He said the cuts should have been at least 50 per cent to have some genuine impact on the bottom line of drought devastated farmers.
“I would have thought the Premier could have made sure farm rates were cut by 50 per cent – with the precedent being the millennium drought – using rates is a proportionate response and a great way to relieve financial pressures, we just haven’t gone far enough.
“The overall drought package is worth $75 million – which covers the rate cuts and includes $2 million to the CWA to run food relief programs and a further $6.3 million for other fees and charges to be waived, with those details still to come.”
Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said: “We’re in this for the long haul and whilst we thank the Victorian Government for their support, by no means are we out of the woods just yet. VFF has employed a drought support officer to be on the ground to speak with farmers and rural communities and we will continue to monitor conditions and ensure government is informed to provide further support to farmers.”
Rural Councils Victoria chair Rob Amos said: “Farmers and rural communities across the state will need sustained support.”