Victorian Government Drought Relief 2025 - Farmers Deserve More Than Crumbs
- Future Accounting
- May 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 13
How Victorian Government drought relief 2025 falls short for rural communities
What do drought-stricken farmers, the Fire Services Levy, the F1 Grand Prix, and Rory McIlroy all have in common? They have all been part of the Victorian State Government’s recent decision-making - and the contrast in priorities has left many rural communities feeling overlooked.
The Allan Government last week unveiled another $15.9 million in Victoria drought relief as it sought to help battered country regions recover from repeated dry spells. This follows on from the $13.5 million program launched in September 2024 and is intended to provide short-term assistance while building the foundations for long-term resilience within rural communities. As it stands, however, industry reaction has been muted. Few industry observers think the government has done enough and these doubts come as the crisis continues to develop fast.
The on-farm drought infrastructure grants up to $5,000 ones have expanded from 11 council regions to 24 statewide in Victoria. Joined more recently have been the council regions of Grampians, Wimmera, Horsham, Ballarat, Hepburn, and also Moorabool. Qualifying farmers will be able to search more details as well as apply via Rural Finance.
Other decisions overshadow the Victorian Government drought relief 2025
In the same week as the new relief package was announced, the Victorian Government passed legislation to increase the Fire Services Levy - a move that disproportionately impacts farmers and rural communities already struggling through drought.
Adding to frustrations, the Government also committed $350 million to upgrade the Albert Park F1 Grand Prix precinct and secured Rory McIlroy for the next two Australian Opens at a reported cost of $6 million. These high-profile spending decisions have left many questioning why regional Victoria’s urgent needs are not receiving equal attention.
Why the Victorian Government drought relief 2025 is a critical turning point
The 2025 Victorian Government drought relief package provided an opportunity in earnest to provide real support to those maintaining our food production chain. Instead, sparse funding combined with policy shifts that increase the expense for farmers has indicated the Government’s priorities rather transparently.
As a farmer or rural community member, now is the time to closely examine your choices, submit those applications for whatever help you can get, and safeguard your business for the long term. Our team is here to guide you through the process of grants, enhance your resilience, and ensure your future.
Your future is our focus.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you access funding and create a strategy for long-term success.
Disclaimer
This article does not constitute financial advice and is for general information only. It does not take into account any individual’s personal objectives, situation or needs, and is not intended as professional advice. Any similarity to an individual’s personal circumstances and the examples provided in this article is purely coincidental. Any person acting upon such information without receiving specific advice, does so entirely at their own risk.
Authorisation under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is not required in the provision of this article and the author plus Future Accounting Group Pty Ltd is not acting in its capacity as an Australian Financial Services Licence holder
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