Victorian farmers battling drought have been hung out to dry by the Allan Government as their pleas for meaningful support continues to be ignored.
Speaking on the drought in state parliament, The Nationals’ Melina Bath again highlighted the struggles facing eastern Victorian farmers as dry conditions prevail across much of the region.
Ms Bath told parliament that primary producers in Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Baw Baw were doing it particularly tough, and she had also been contacted by stressed farmers in Latrobe and Cardinia Shires.
“Local beef and dairy farmers concerns are consistent – little to no fodder, soil moisture gone, dams drying up, looking at or forced to de-stock, financial hardship, mental anguish, and inadequate support from government.
“Farmers are dismayed at the Allan Government’s appalling drought package as it does not address the dire need for assistance in accessing food and water for livestock.
“The Allan Government’s package falls well short – it is one third of what is on offer in South Australia.
“The Nationals are backing the VFF’s three tiered drought support framework which relies on an evidence informed approach to support farmers experiencing hardship and tailors interventions to severity.
Ms Bath said when farmers battle drought, the problems extend beyond animal welfare and food prices.
“Primary producers are the backbone of our rural communities – we rely on them for the food on our tables and prosperity in our towns.
“Drought creates enormous stress for our rural farming families and communities – it is imperative that support for farmers also involves timely and easy access to mental health support.
“Rural financial counsellors are having difficult conversations around the kitchen table providing guidance and planning for farmers suffering with shocking conditions.
“Our food and fibre industry injects billions into our economy and it’s disgraceful that the Allan Government is abandoning them.”
