Drought support package – statewide overview – Oct 2025

 

See Oct25 package update for South-West Victoria

 

The Victorian Government is providing direct drought support of $144 million for farmers across Victoria impacted by drought conditions. Statewide support includes a one-on-one farm advisory service and boosted events program, grants for on-farm improvements, mental health support, and fee and duty relief.

In addition, funding is available to support practical measures that improve access to water.

Download the drought-support flyer for statewide Victoria

To stay up to date with all drought programs, visit this webpage from Agriculture Victoria, a partner in the Vic Hub.

FARM DROUGHT SUPPORT GRANTS*

Grants of up to $5,000 (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

Agriculture Victoria is coordinating delivery of technical information and decision-making events and workshops across the state, focused on key drought management issues.

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 designed to support local organisations to create events and initiatives tailored to their unique community. The program is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.

All approved projects will be supported through to 30 April 2026.

 

RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICE (RFCS) – WELLBEING SUPPORT

In addition to the ongoing rural financial counselling services always available statewide, wellbeing counsellors are now available in Gippsland, the north east and north west, as well as south west Victoria. To access the support of a wellbeing counsellor, call the RFCS on 1300 771 741. Scan the QR code for more information about your local RFCS

service.

 

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.

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).

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 (ACTW) 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.

 

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.