Council welcomes farm relief as positive first step
Published on 04 July 2025
Corangamite Shire Council has welcomed the State Government’s $35.8 million to help farmers and rural communities feeling the devastating impact of drought.
Mayor Kate Makin said the funding was much needed but more would be needed in coming weeks, months, and years to keep businesses and farmers afloat.
“The drought is biting beyond the farm gate but ultimately if we support our farmers the flow-on effects will be huge as they, in turn, support the businesses in the towns.
“It’s encouraging that the Government has acknowledged the needs of our communities and we thank them for the latest funding announcement.
“They have listened to what is being said in the street, on the farm, around the Drought Response Taskforce and in Council Chambers like ours.
“Here in the South-West drought has been affecting farm businesses with flow on impacts for their suppliers, households and other services in our local communities.
“Recovery is likely to take years so it’s vital that the State and Federal governments find the resources to keep businesses afloat until the tide turns.”
Cr Makin sits on the Drought Response Taskforce in her role as Rural Councils Victoria deputy Chair.
The state Government’s Primary Producer Support Payments will provide eligible farmers with the equivalent of a 40 per cent reduction on their property rates.
Next month Local Government Victoria will pay a lump sum to Councils which will distribute the payments.
“It was encouraging to hear Premier Jacinta Allen say the new funding was ‘about backing the people who feed our state and the regional communities that keep our state strong’.
“Regional Victoria is the food bowl for the state, and the country so it benefits everyone in the city too by ensuring food security and affordable pricing during a cost-of-living crisis.”
The latest support package also includes household payments up to $1,000 for struggling families, technical support, mental health services, and debt mediation.
For more information, go to premier.vic.gov.au/backing-our-farmers-through-drought.
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.”
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.
Council has drought support information at corangamite.vic.gov.au/ DroughtSupport.