On Monday 30 September 2024, the Victorian Government announced a $13.53 million package to support farming communities affected by the drought in south west Victoria.

Right now, many farmers in Victoria’s south west are facing the lowest rainfall on record, which is impacting stock and harvest and putting pressure on feed and water.

In response this drought support package will enable targeted support services to focus on the 11 local government areas where conditions are most impacting farmers and communities:

• Ararat
• City of Greater Geelong
• Colac Otway
• Corangamite
• Glenelg
• Golden Plains
• Moyne
• Pyrenees
• Southern Grampians
• Surf Coast
• Warrnambool
• West Wimmera*

*only primary production businesses located in post codes 3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319 are eligible to apply

The Drought Support Package includes:

On Farm Infrastructure Grants Program
Eligible farmers will receive up to $5,000 as a co-contribution grant that will support activities including water infrastructure upgrades (e.g. pipes, tanks, troughs, dams), stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.

Dedicated Drought Regional Coordinator
The Regional Drought Coordinator will work with local councils, Victorian Government departments, local water corporations, catchment management authorities, local health services and industry service providers to make sure support is reaching the people that need it, when they need it.

Funds to Support Additional Technical and Financial Decision Making
Additional technical, wellbeing and financial decision-making support will be provided to ensure farm businesses have access to tailored advice through one-on-one consultations, webinars, workshops, field days, and boosted online tools and information.

Support to Continue the Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Program
A Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) wellbeing counsellor will work directly with impacted families and tailor wellbeing supports to their individual needs. If neglected, the risks of short-term worries becoming long term health issues increases. RFCS Victoria West wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with their financial counsellors to ensure that the mental health of clients receives as much attention as their financial position. Support is free and confidential. Click here to find out more about this service.

To find out more about the drought support package and how to apply, go the the Agriculture Victoria Website.

Pyrenees Council and Agriculture Victoria provide strategies for recovery and long term farm planning.

After the brutal and terrifying results of bushfire has left it’s indelible mark on buildings, farmland and stock, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support. No doubt there are farmers in Western Victoria concerned about their financial position and weighing up their future on the land after this summer’s fiery gift. It’s a stressful, uncertain time for any victim of bushfire disaster but there are supports out there and not just from RFCS Victoria West. Local and State Governments have sprung into action to provide practical assistance and planning strategies to help now and into the future.

Pyrenees Shire Fire Recovery Outreach Sessions – Raglan and Amphitheatre

Outreach sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday in Raglan and Amphitheatre up until April 4. Council officers will attend these sessions to help fire-impacted residents access the support they need. Drop in any time during the session, no appointment needed.

• Raglan Hall – from 12pm to 1.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday until April 4
• Amphitheatre Hall – 2pm to 3.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday until April 4
  
  
  

Planning your Recovery

A whole farm planning course for Beaufort district farmers

RFCS VicWest are proud to promote this fantastic free series of workshops by Agriculture Victoria.

Farmers affected by the recent Bayindeen – Rocky Road bushfire are invited to attend a 4 to 6 week whole farm planning course at Beaufort beginning Thursday 11 April.

Making farms more productive, efficient and sustainable while at the same time protecting natural assets like soil, water and the natural environment.

Workshop topics include:

• farm design and layout
• soils and land classing
• pasture and grazing/feed management
• farm water supply
• farm business planning
• adapting to a changing climate

“I did the FarmPlan 21 course following the Moyston fire. It helped me redesign paddocks and importantly got me off the farm and sharing with others for a few hours each week.”

David Coad, Moyston

Event Details:

Start Date: Thursday 11 April then every Thursday from 4 – 6 weeks

Time: 10am – 3am

Where: Beeripno Development Centre
1 Lawrence Street, Beauort

Cost: Free, lunch provided

PIC needed: Please update your PIC before registering for this workshop

For more information or to register, go to the Agriculture Victoria Website here.

To register directly click here.

For free and confidential assistance with financial problems on the farm, contact RFCS Victoria West here.

Payments announced for fire impacted Victorians

Residents in the Pomonal area who have been significantly impacted by recent fires are now able to apply for the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

Available for people who suffered serious damage or injury as a result of the bushfires, eligible residents can receive $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child to help with the immediate costs of recovery.

Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten said that
“The AGDRP supports those who have experienced the worst this event has to offer get through tough times by helping to replace some essential items that were lost.”

Residents will be able to check their eligibility on the Services Australia Website The quickest way to claim a payment will be online through myGov

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency information line on 180 22 66 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If they want to speak to someone in their language, they can also call the Centrelink multilingual phone service on 131 202

The federal payment builds on disaster assistance measures jointly funded with the Victorian Government, which are already available in areas impacted by the fires and February 13 storms including:

• Personal hardship payments of $640 per adult and $320 per child up to a maximum of $2,240 per eligible family to help cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing, medication and accommodation.

• Emergency re-establishment grants of up to $49,300 for people who are uninsured and their primary place of residence has been destroyed or is uninhabitable.

• Prolonged Power Outages Payments of up to $1,920 per week for households and up to $2,927 per week for up to three weeks for affected small businesses.

• The Emergency Recovery Hotline has been activated to process calls from anyone affected by fires or storms. To access recovery support, affected residents can call the Hotline on 1800 560 760.

RFCS Victoria West has people on the ground to help primary producers and small business owners affected by fires and other natural disasters. If you need help in understanding the eligibility criteria, completing applications or negotiating with insurers, give us a call or send a message here. Our wait times are short and our services are free.