Council
9 July, 2025
Funding welcomed, rural councils say
RURAL councils have commended the Victorian Government for listening to advice and acting to ease the pressure on drought-affected communities.
The Victorian Government last week announced $75 million of new supports, following deliberations by the state’s Drought Response Taskforce.
Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) was one of several stakeholder groups represented on the Taskforce by deputy chair and Corangamite Shire mayor councillor Kate Makin.
RCV chair councillor Rob Amos said he was particularly pleased the Victorian Government has adopted the RCV proposal to fund direct rate relief for farmers.
“Council rate discounts will help farmers survive the drought,” he said.
“This will mean more cash back into farm budgets, straight away.”
Cr Makin, as the RCV representative on the Taskforce, expressed gratitude for the rate relief which she believed would be welcomed by farmers.
“This is something our rural communities and member councils have been calling for, and we’re grateful it’s been picked up,” she said.
The relief will take the form of $35.8 million in Primary Producer Support Payments, to be distributed by the rural councils in the south west – including Corangamite and Moyne.
RCV modelling forecasts the payments will cover about 40 per cent of eligible farmers’ expected rates bills.
Cr Amos said RCV was also pleased with the range of initiatives covered within the funding, but said sustained funding would be required.
“It’s great the government has listened and acted, though there remains more to be done,” he said.
“Farmers and rural communities across the state will need sustained support.”
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