Strathbogie Shire Response to Expanded Statewide Drought Support
Strathbogie Shire Council acknowledges the Victorian Government’s decision to expand drought assistance to farmers across the state. However, Council remains deeply concerned that our local farmers—who are under significant pressure—continue to receive only the minimum level of support available.
“Our farmers are facing extremely difficult conditions,” said Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy. “Feed supplies are critically low, hay reserves are running out, water storages are depleted, and the cost of transporting feed is skyrocketing. Producers are paying up to $20,000 per load just to bring in hay from interstate. For many, this is simply not sustainable.”
While we welcome the acknowledgement that the drought is now impacting the state more broadly, the additional financial support of up to $10,000 has again been limited to select areas. Strathbogie Shire, despite clear and mounting evidence of severe drought impacts, remains restricted to the base level of assistance.
“While we welcome the funding announcement and see it as a small win, we remain deeply disappointed that drought has not been declared,” said Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kenney. “What the State Government is doing is dividing communities by selectively recognising crisis. Drought doesn’t stop at shire boarders – and neither should financial relief. Good farmers, good people are being forced to make heartbreaking decisions just to survive.”
“At present, our farmers are not focused on infrastructure investment—they are focused on survival. Immediate and substantial financial assistance is urgently needed to secure feed and maintain core herds. Without access to this support, we risk losing not only farms but entire livelihoods and generational ties to the land,” Mayor Ewart-Kennedy said. “We are very disappointed that our Shire and several others in the Hume region have again been overlooked for the higher tier of support.”
Strathbogie Shire Council continues to advocate for urgent, targeted relief that reflects the real conditions on the ground. Farmers across our region are experiencing drought conditions just as severe as those in the areas receiving elevated assistance.
“We know our community is strong and resilient, but this is impacting individuals, families, and businesses,” Mayor Ewart-Kennedy said. “The longer we are not formally recognised as being in drought, the more our community feels abandoned by its government. We urge the newly announced Drought Response Taskforce to urgently review the eligibility criteria and ensure equitable, needs-based distribution of support.”
Council will continue to advocate to ensure that our community is not left behind as conditions worsen and the cost of inaction grows. Mayor Ewart-Kennedy said, “This is a moment that calls for equity, urgency and leadership.”
For further information:
Michelle Harris
Michelle.harris@strathbogie.vic.gov.au
Ph: 0419 386 082