Strathbogie Shire Farmers Overlooked in State Drought Support Package

Strathbogie Shire Council is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently reconsider its drought support eligibility criteria, after the Shire was excluded from the State’s recently expanded $29.4 million drought assistance package.

Despite clear evidence of worsening conditions, local farmers are facing the season with no access to the direct support measures now being made available to neighbouring areas. Livestock producers across Strathbogie are dealing with severe feed shortages, exhausted on-farm water supplies, and unaffordable freight costs — with some paying up to $20,000 per load to bring in hay from interstate.

Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the omission sends a disheartening message to farmers already operating at breaking point.

“We are hearing directly from our farmers — these are not just numbers or forecasts. These are real people making heartbreaking decisions about whether they can afford to keep going,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.

“Right now, our producers don’t need infrastructure grants. They need feed. They need freight subsidies. And they need financial relief to keep their stock alive and their businesses afloat.”

The current package includes infrastructure grants and support for mental health and decision-making. While Council welcomes those investments, Cr Ewart-Kennedy stressed they cannot replace the urgent need for practical, place-based financial assistance.

“We recognise and value the support being offered in mental health and business resilience. But without help to meet the basic needs of stock and soil, that support rings hollow for many,” she said.

Council is particularly concerned that several Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the Hume region have been excluded, despite facing the same climatic and economic pressures as those deemed eligible.

Council is calling on Agriculture Victoria to:

• Reassess current drought conditions across the entire Hume region;
• Revisit the eligibility criteria for drought support packages; and
• Extend support to all affected LGAs, including Strathbogie Shire.

Cr Ewart-Kennedy also raised concerns about the compounding disadvantage faced by excluded LGAs, which are also ineligible for partial rebates under the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund, linked to the infrastructure grant program.

“This is a moment that calls for equity, urgency and leadership,” she said.

“Drought doesn’t stop at shire borders — and neither should drought relief.”

For further information:

Michelle Harris

Michelle.harris@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Ph: 0419 386 082