State-wide drought support available for Victorian farmers

 

A range of drought support programs is available to farmers, families and communities across Victoria. Delivered through Agriculture Victoria, these initiatives provide practical, financial and wellbeing support to help farmers manage seasonal conditions and plan ahead.

 

See the latest drought-support measures for South-West Victoria

 

Practical support to plan and manage the season

 

Farmers across the state can access the Farm Advisory Service, offering free one-on-one consultations with technical specialists.

More than 1,000 farmers have already accessed the service to take stock, plan and act in response to seasonal conditions. Advisors include agronomists, veterinarians, animal nutritionists, business advisors and farm planners, with expertise across dairy, beef, sheep and wool, horticulture and cropping.

A range of drought-focused events is also being delivered across Victoria. Topics include feed budgeting, succession planning, irrigation and wellbeing, providing practical information and opportunities to connect with others.

 

Supporting community connection and wellbeing

 

The Look Over the Farm Gate program is now open, offering grants of up to $5,000 for local organisations to deliver events that support mental health and wellbeing.

Since mid-2025, close to 200 events have engaged around 28,000 people across Victoria, helping communities stay connected during challenging conditions.

Wellbeing Counsellors are also available across the state, including the north east, north west, south west and Gippsland. They work alongside financial counsellors to support both mental health and financial decision-making, providing practical strategies tailored to individual circumstances.

 

Financial support for on-farm management

 

The Farm Drought Support Grants program provides co-contribution funding for on-farm infrastructure and improvements.

• $5,000 available statewide
• Eligible activities include water infrastructure upgrades, pasture and crop re-establishment, stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage, and water carting
• Expenses incurred since 30 September 2024 may be eligible

Farmers managing pasture and crop pressure can also access the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate, which supports engagement of accredited professional harvesters.

Eligible farmers can access up to three rebates of $450 each (ex-GST), with a 25% co-contribution.

 

Finding the right support

 

These programs form part of a broader package of drought support available across Victoria, combining technical advice, financial assistance and community-based initiatives.

 

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

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

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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/