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Melina Bath highlights worsening drought impacts on eastern Victorian farmers, urging urgent support in state parliament

Victorian farmers facing severe drought feel abandoned by the Allan government, with inadequate support worsening hardship, mental health strain, and risking food production across eastern rural communities.

By news@gippsland - 29th May 2025 - Back to News

Victorian farmers battling drought have been hung out to dry by the Allan government as their pleas for meaningful support continues to be ignored. Speaking on the drought in state parliament, The Nationals' Melina Bath again highlighted the struggles facing eastern Victorian farmers as dry conditions prevail across much of the region.

Gippsland farmers abandoned by Allan government as drought worsens and pleas for support go ignored

Drought relief fails

Ms Bath told parliament that primary producers in Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Baw Baw were doing it particularly tough, and she had also been contacted by stressed farmers in Latrobe and Cardinia Shires. "Local beef and dairy farmers' concerns are consistent - little to no fodder, soil moisture gone, dams drying up, looking at or forced to de-stock, financial hardship, mental anguish, and inadequate support from government."

"Farmers are dismayed at the Allan government's appalling drought package as it does not address the dire need for assistance in accessing food and water for livestock. The Allan government's package falls well short - it is one third of what is on offer in South Australia. The Nationals are backing the VFF's three tiered drought support framework which relies on an evidence informed approach to support farmers experiencing hardship and tailor interventions to severity," she said.

Support our farmers

Ms Bath said when farmers battle drought, the problems extend beyond animal welfare and food prices. "Primary producers are the backbone of our rural communities - we rely on them for the food on our tables and prosperity in our towns. Drought creates enormous stress for our rural farming families and communities - it is imperative that support for farmers also involves timely and easy access to mental health support."

"Rural financial counsellors are having difficult conversations around the kitchen table providing guidance and planning for farmers suffering with shocking conditions. Our food and fibre industry injects billions into our economy and it's disgraceful that the Allan government is abandoning them," said Ms Bath.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
  West Gippsland CMA’s Annual Report highlights major 2024–25 achievements restoring rivers, wetlands and habitats, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and strengthening catchment health from mountain headwaters to the coast.
• Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
  Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease.