Joint media release: Backing Victorian farmers through drought

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Water, and Minister for Rural and Regional Development, the Hon Michaela Settle MP

Victorian farmers and regional communities will have better tools to manage future drought conditions.

The Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments are investing more than $66.8 million to continue the Victorian Farm Business Resilience Program and Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program through to 2029.

This funding is in addition to the Carroll Labor Government's $146.5 million Drought Support Package for Victorian farmers.

The Farm Business Resilience Program gives farmers practical skills to make informed decisions on their farms.

Farmers can learn more about profitable decision-making, drought preparedness, farm management, and a range of other topics through a mix of short courses, workshops, webinars, field days and farm walks.

The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program helps communities turn local drought plans into action.

Every region across Victoria now has a regional drought resilience plan in place, developed through the program's first phase.

Up to $1.5 million will be available in each region to support coordination and deliver priority actions identified in local regional drought resilience plans.

This will help communities, local government, industry and regional organisations deliver projects that strengthen drought and climate preparedness and build resilience for the future.

The programs build on strong results already delivered across Victoria.

Since 2021, more than 4000 people have engaged in intensive Farm Business Resilience Program activities.

More than 2400 farm business plans have been developed or updated to help strengthen business performance.

More than 47 Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program on-ground projects have been delivered across Victoria.

These programs are helping support farmers prepare for future drought conditions – helping protect regional jobs, local economies and Victoria's food security.

For more information on the Farm Business Resilience Program, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/prepare/farm-business-resilience-program

For more information on the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, visit: extensionaus.com.au/rdrvictoria/

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins:

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to working with Victoria to help farmers and communities prepare for and respond to changing drought and climate conditions.  

“Through the Future Drought Fund, we are investing in practical programs that help build stronger, more resilient farms, businesses and communities.  

“Victorians are no strangers to drought and other natural disasters, and we are pleased to support and invest in the future of Victoria’s farmers and regional communities.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Water, and Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Michaela Settle:

“Drought is a challenge farmers know all too well, which is why we’re investing in practical support that helps them plan ahead, adapt and remain strong through climate changing conditions.”

"We're working alongside farmers and regional communities to ensure they have the knowledge, resources and local partnerships they need to prepare for future drought, no matter the conditions."