State announces drought help

The State Government will provide $5-million to help ease the financial burden on Victorian farmers experiencing drought conditions.

Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said the package included $1.4-million for drought infrastructure grants, including money to help farmers meet the cost of establishing areas to contain stock. It also includes $1.2-million to support a Drought Employment Program in Gippsland.

The government has allocated $1-million for technical and business support for farmers to manage financial decisions on farm, including animal health, feed budgeting and land management. The package also includes –

• $400,000 for the Look Over The Farm Gate Program to better support mental health of farmers through community awareness workshops and events.

• $500,000 for a drought co-ordinator in Gippsland, and additional co-ordination effort in northern irrigation areas and north-west Victoria.

• $500,000 for a Community Resilience Program, working with local government to provide events and community infrastructure.

• $400,000 to increase the Rural Financial Counselling Service.