While initiatives such as rates rebates and co-funded infrastructure grants are welcome in principle, DFV said they did not address the cash flow crisis currently affecting many dairy farm businesses across the state.
DFV said the lack of unconditional financial relief:
- Ignores the immediate and escalating cost pressures faced by farmers due to high feed, water, and energy prices.
- Limits the capacity of drought-hit businesses to retain staff, service loans, and maintain production.
- Reduces flow-on spending in rural communities, hurting local businesses and support industries.
DFV president Mark Billing said this drought has pushed many Victorian dairy farmers to the brink.
“Delayed or partial support tied to co-contributions or red tape doesn’t keep the lights on, the cows fed, or the families afloat,” he said.
“We needed a strong and direct response, but what we got was bureaucratic fragmentation. Farmers, service providers and rural communities deserve better.”
DFV said the NSW Government recently announced direct grants for flood-affected farms, acknowledging the need for immediate financial relief when disaster strikes.
“It is concerning that Victorian farmers facing a prolonged, slow-moving disaster like drought are not offered the same respect or urgency.”
DFV calls on the Victorian Government to urgently reconsider the structure of its support and introduce a direct financial assistance measure, such as immediate relief payments or hardship grants, that will provide farmers with rapid, flexible assistance; boost local spending in rural towns; and preserve the economic fabric of our vital food-producing regions.
“We remain committed to working constructively with the government, but we must be clear — this package does not go far enough, and time is already running out for many dairy families, who are already under extreme stress,” Mr Billing said.
