Drought Task-force Updates Support Payments
- Future Accounting
- Jul 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Drought support payments deliver relief measures and future preparedness
Thanks to an extra $75 million in funding from the Allan Labor Government, the total drought support package has grown to $144 million. These support payments are designed to ease the pressure on farming families right now while also investing in water security and community resilience for the future.
Victorian farmers doing it tough through the ongoing drought are set to receive much-needed support payments — including a 40% reduction on property rates — as part of a newly expanded relief package from the state government.
Rate relief. Eligible farmers across 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in south-west Victoria will get Primary Producer Support Payments, which work out to a 40% reduction on their property rates. This direct financial boost will be delivered through local councils and is aimed at easing cash flow pressure for farm businesses hit hardest by dry conditions.
Cash support: There’s also $2 million in support distributed by the Country Women’s Association as one-off household payments of up to $1,000 to struggling farming families in these same 12 LGAs.
Fee cuts: Additionally, a $6.3 million fee and duty relief package, including waived biosecurity duties, targeted regulatory fee relief, and no indexation on 2025–26 biosecurity charges delivered by Agriculture Victoria and aimed at further easing cash-flow pressures for farmers.
Where is your farm located?
Support packages are offered in two tiers based on location, with additional funding targeted to south-western areas of Victoria:
All Victorian farmers are eligible for general support measures.
Farmers in focus LGAs may access additional targeted support.Note: In West Wimmera, only properties in postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318, and 3319 qualify for this additional support.
Support available to all farmers across Victoria:
Farm Drought Support Grants – Up to $5,000 available statewide (up to $10,000 in select LGAs).
Technical Advisory Support – One-on-one guidance from agronomists, vets, nutritionists, and farm business advisors.
Fee and Duty Relief – Up to $6.3 million in waived biosecurity and regulatory charges for eligible farmers.
Community Support – Grants up to $5,000 to community groups for local farming community events supporting well-being.
Mental Health Support -
Kangaroo Management Rebate – $450 rebate to engage accredited harvesters for kangaroo control.
Regional Drought Coordinator – Statewide coordination to ensure targeted and effective drought support.
Water Access Projects – Funding to expand and improve water access and infrastructure across drought-affected regions.
Additional support for South-West Victoria in focus:
Farm Drought Support Grants – Up to $10,000 available.
Primary Producer Support Payments – A 40% rates relief distributed via eligible south-west local councils.
Household Relief Payments – Up to $1,000 for farmers, workers, and contractors available via the Country Women's Association
Drought Employment Program – $1 million in off-farm employment opportunities delivered via local Catchment Management Authorities.
Small Business Counseling – Financial counseling support specifically available in south-west Victoria.
The support available is varied and complex — we're currently having great success helping farmers navigate the paperwork, applications, and fine print. Reach out to us.
The full range of support payments and services available can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or calling Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.
NOTE: Program name update - The Farm Drought Support Grants program was previously called the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants until 4 July 2025 - it’s the same support under a new name.
Long-term thinking in tough times
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said these investments were shaped by what farmers themselves asked for — especially cash flow help. “This isn’t just about now. We’re backing farmers with both short-term relief and long-term infrastructure to build resilience,” she said.
Premier Jacinta Allan echoed the sentiment: “Our farmers feed the state and the country. When they’re struggling, we stand with them — and we act.”
Need help navigating these support payments or figuring out what you’re eligible for? Get in touch with Future Accounting — we’re actively helping clients apply successfully, and we don’t want you to miss out.
CLIENTS: Keep an eye out for our Farm Drought Support Grant Newsletter in mid-July. This newsletter will focus on the Farm Drought Support Grants, as they are the quickest way to start receiving assistance.
