Additional drought support available for south-west Victoria

 

Farmers, farm employees and communities in south west Victoria can access additional drought support, alongside statewide programs already in place. These targeted measures provide financial relief and practical assistance to help manage ongoing seasonal pressures.

 

See the latest drought-support measures for the rest of Victoria

 

Household support for everyday expenses

 

The Household Financial Relief Program provides payments of up to $1,000 to support essential household costs.

This support is available to eligible:

• Farmers
• Farm employees
• Farm-dependent contractors

Payments can be used for everyday expenses such as groceries, school costs, utilities and rates.

The program is available across:
Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, Greater Geelong, and southern areas of West Wimmera.

The program is administered by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria.

 

Increased support for on-farm investment

 

Farmers in south west Victoria can also access increased funding through the Farm Drought Support Grants program.

• Up to $10,000 available (compared to $5,000 statewide)
• Supports infrastructure and improvements such as water systems, pasture restoration, stock containment and fodder storage
• Expenses incurred since 30 September 2024 may be eligible

This additional funding recognises the conditions experienced across the region and supports practical on-farm responses.

 

Accessing broader drought support

 

In addition to these targeted measures, south west farmers can access the full range of statewide drought support programs, including advisory services, events, wellbeing support and rebates.

Together, these supports aim to help farmers manage current conditions while maintaining long-term resilience.

For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, visit the Agriculture Victoria drought support website or call 136 186.

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

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

---

 

Bushfire support

Support for affected farmers and communities

 

Support is also available for farmers impacted by bushfire, including on-ground technical advice, financial assistance and wellbeing support. Grants of up to $75,000 are available to assist with clean-up and reinstatement of farm enterprises, alongside concessional loans of up to $250,000 for significant asset loss and up to $100,000 for income impacts. Financial counselling and wellbeing support are available through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, with counsellors able to provide practical assistance and connect farmers with relevant services.

Rural Finance website: www.ruralfinance.com.au/grants/