Financial Assistance
Household Financial Relief Program
Up to $1,000 in financial assistance is available to help with household expenses of eligible farming families, those working on farms and contractors affected by drought conditions in 12 south west LGAs. The program is being administered by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria (CWA). Scan the QR code for information on how to apply.
Farm Drought Support Grants
Up to $5,000 (ex-GST) statewide and in the 12 eligible LGAs in south west Victoria up to $10,000 (ex-GST), to support investment in on-farm drought management activities and essential business activities. A dollar-for-dollar co-contribution is required. Eligible expenses since 30 September 2024 considered. *NB: formerly the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant Program. Scan the QR code to check your eligibility and apply.
One-on-One Farm Advisory Service
A free consultation with a farm advisor to take stock, discuss and plan the best way forward for your business. Nominate your preferred consultant from a panel of providers for a 3-hour consultation (onfarm or virtually) and a follow up call. Scan the QR code to find out more about the program and to express your interest.
Primary Producer Support Payments
Twelve south west LGAs have received lump sum payments to support primary producers equivalent of up to a 40% farm property rate reduction for 2025–26. Councils are responsible for distributing these payments, with reductions applied to rate notices. Farmers automatically receive the reduction for 2025-2026, with no need to apply.
Drought Employment Program
Corangamite and Glenelg-Hopkins CMAs are delivering a program to provide meaningful off-farm employment opportunities to people experiencing hardship due to drought conditions. The program will focus on improving catchment health through activities like pest and weed control, riparian fencing and revegetation. Contact the Corangamite or Glenelg-Hopkins CMAs for more information about the program.
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West
In addition to the ongoing rural financial counselling services always available statewide, a Wellbeing Counsellor and a Small Business Financial Counsellor are also available at RFCS Victoria West to support severely impacted farmers and small businesses in south-west Victoria.
Duties and Fees Relief Package
Agriculture Victoria is working with food and safety regulators Dairy Foods Safety Victoria, PrimeSafe, the State Revenue Office and the livestock advisory committees to deliver this support. The package includes measures to waive a raft of livestock biosecurity duties, plant biosecurity fees, beekeeper registration fees, food safety fees and other service charges, delivering more than $10 million in relief to Victorian producers. Scan the QR code below for information on specific duty and fee relief.
Interstate Movement of Hay and Fodder and Freight Network
A dedicated network to support fodder and grain movements on key freight routes in south-west Victoria, permitting loads of up to 84 tonnes – a 15-tonne increase on the usual limit on these routes. Suppliers, transporters and farmers can now apply for a free Plant Biosecurity Permit, with applications processed within 2 working days, with inspection fees waived (where required upon arrival).
On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate Program
The On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate Program is open for farmers to hire authorised professional harvesters to help control kangaroos. Farmers with an approved authority to control wildlife (ATCW) can access up to 3 individual rebates of up to $450 (ex-GST) each, noting farmers are required to co-contribute 25% to the cost.
Commonwealth Assistance Programs
Programs and services are available to help farmers impacted by drought. These include the Farm Household Allowance, Rural Financial Counselling Service, concessional loans and tax concessions.
Financial Concessions
Council Hardship Assistance | Corangamite Shire
If you are experiencing financial hardship and need help paying your rates, you can apply for hardship assistance from Council.
Tax Drought Support | ATO
The ATO has a range of tailored tax concessions for primary producers that can help you prepare for, or manage, when conditions or matters are unpredictable.
Financial Counselling
Farm Support | Rural Financial Counselling Service - South West
Rural Financial Counselling Service offers a range of support including financial counselling, small business support and wellbeing support.
National Debt Helpline
The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit Government Service that provides confidential financial counselling for anyone experiencing hardship. You can contact the National Debt Helpline to request a referral to see a financial counsellor at your local financial counselling service.
Small business and wellbeing support | Business Victoria
Free, confidential financial advice for small business owners from experts specialising in finance, debt management, negotiation, and counselling services. They also offer free access to wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors and business advisers.
Other
Regional Investment Corporation Loans | Australian Government
Low interest loans for primary producers.
Corangamite Food Bank
Camperdown & District Community House is a registered agency with Food Bank Victoria and Western District Food Share, and offers this service to the entire Corangamite Shire region. Non-perishable food hampers and non food essential items, such as nappies and personal hygiene products, are available.
Corangamite Food Bank is available through:
- Camperdown Community House, Manifold Place Community Health, contact Cheryl or Penny 5557 0900
- Corangamite Shire, contact Service Navigation Team 5593 7100
- Cobden Uniting Church Op Shop, contact Helen 0422 320 773
- Camperdown Uniting Church 5593 2323
- Camperdown Vinnies 0437 726 654
- Camperdown Mental Health Service, contact 5593 6000
- Derrinallum Op Shop, contact Robyn 0407 641 412
- Terang Community Op Shop, contact 55921723
- Terang Mortlake Vinnies contact 0459 047 620
- Timboon and District Healthcare, contact Hayley 5558 6000
- Simpson Community Centre, contact Debbie 5594 3448