40% rates rebate for drought-struck farmers
Published on 27 August 2025
Drought-hit farmers across Corangamite Shire will receive a 40% lump sum rebate on their 2025-2026 rates and municipal charge.
Council has been allocated $5,274,200 from the State Government’s $35.8 million funding package for selected south-west Victorian councils as part of a broader Drought Support Package.
At its August meeting yesterday, Council voted for a uniform allocation across all properties with a ‘Farm’ rate classification to ensure the payment is equitable.
Mayor Kate Makin said under the Primary Producer Support Payments (PPSP) program, Councils had discretion about how best to allocate the funding to support the most severely drought-affected farming rate payers.
“The Government’s funding of this program is most welcome when our communities are battling.
“It’s clear they’ve been listening—whether through conversations in the street, discussions on farms, input from the Drought Response Taskforce, or deliberations in Council chambers like ours.”
Cr Makin sits on the Drought Response Taskforce in her role as Rural Councils Victoria deputy Chair.
“This rebate will help cashflow in our part of the state, which has been in drought longer than other areas and is in greater need of support.
“The recent rain has greened up the pastures superficially, but after years of lost productivity, destocking and refinancing, it will take years for our farmers to bounce back.
“Recovery will be a long-term journey, and it is critical that both State and Federal governments continue to invest in measures that help businesses stay viable until conditions improve.
The PPSP program is being administered by Local Government Victoria (LGV).
It provides much needed cash flow relief for farmers in 12 Local Government Areas (LGA) in south-west Victoria: Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast and Golden Plains shire, Warrnambool City, City of Greater Geelong and southern parts of West Wimmera Shire.
Cr Makin said Council’s Rates and Charges Collection and Hardship Policy recognises the need for respect and compassion when people need support in difficult times.
“The policy aims to help property owners manage payment in a way that is acceptable to them and Council, fairly, confidentially and in compliance with legal requirements.
“For advice on how that may fit your situation, call Council on 5593 7100.”
Council has drought support information at corangamite.vic.gov.au/ DroughtSupport.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available to drought impacted farmers visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.