Drought support package for South-West Victoria

updates: Oct 2025

 

Download the flyer here

 

See Oct25 package update for Victoria statewide

 

The Victorian Government is providing direct drought support of $144 million for farmers across Victoria impacted by drought conditions. Additional support is being provided to farmers and communities in 12 south west Victoria Local

Government Areas including parts of West Wimmera, which have been experiencing the worst drought conditions in the state for more than 2 years. To stay up to date with all drought programs, visit this webpage from Agriculture Victoria, a partner in the Vic Hub.

Scan the QR codes relating to each section to check your eligibility and apply, or register your interest. See PDF. 

 

 

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.

 

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 (on-farm or virtually) and a follow up call.

 

FARMER GROUP TECHNICAL EVENTS

Local workshops and online sessions to talk drought management, delivered with our partners.

 

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).

 

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. Contact your local council.

 

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.

 

LOOK OVER THE FARM GATE – CLOSED

The ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program is now fully subscribed. It provided grants of up to $5,000 support local organisations to create events and initiatives tailored to their unique community. The program is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health. All approved projects will be supported through to 30 April 2026.

 

RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICE (RFCS) 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). Scan the QR code for information on permit requirements, application forms, and the Victorian Freight Drought Network.

 

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. Scan the QR code for more information about the program.

 

OTHER: 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.

 

For more information about drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought,

Email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au or Phone 136 186.