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Victorian and Gippsland farmers bumper harvest at risk as hard lockdowns make worsen labour shortages

Victorian farmers' hopes of a record-breaking harvest are at risk while COVID restrictions continue to wreak havoc with availability of farm labourers.

By news@gippsland - 1st September 2021 - Back to News

Worker shortages across the industry, including horticulture, grains, wool production and meat processing, have left farmers and farm businesses fearing the loss of this season's food and fibre. With the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government confirming a dedicated agriculture visa will be in place later this month, Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the next move was up to the Andrews Labor Government.

Australian farmers rely on seasonal workers to supplement their harvest workforce, they are forced to walk away from hundreds of dollars worth of crops as border restrictions create worker shortage

Extension stuck on premier's desk

Mr Walsh said, "Good rainfall and strong prices across the commodities have buoyed farmers' spirits, but for the second year in a row they're being weighed down by a lack of access to seasonal workers, Victoria's quarantine agreement with Tasmania to bring in 1500 seasonal workers will expire in October."

"With the extension rumoured to be stuck on the Premier's desk for three weeks now, farmers are understandably at their wit's end. Crops won't wait for Daniel Andrews to be done with his political vendetta against the Commonwealth. This deal needs to be signed - today - because without enough workers, a year's hard work will go to waste."

Guilty of having no plan

An extension to the deal with Tasmania is just the starting point. Mr Walsh said our agriculture sector deserved a plan for the future. Farmers have found themselves facing the same shortages for seasonal pickers, harvest operators and shearers this year because the Andrews Labor Government is guilty of having no plan for Victoria's agriculture workforce," Mr Walsh said.

"A long-term plan should include the Victorian Government signing on to the Commonwealth's ag visa program and making sure that the new quarantine facility at Mickleham has places dedicated to farm workers when it comes online at the end of the year."

"The Victorian farmers deserve better than living with the constant worry that their hard work will be for nothing because the Andrews Labor Government can't be bothered doing its bit."

Pictures from Victorian Farmers Federation Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
  The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028.
• Melina Bath accused Labor of ignoring bird flu advice and delaying vaccinations for Victoria's vulnerable little penguin colonies
  The Victorian government is accused of ignoring expert advice to proactively vaccinate little penguins against H5N1, delaying action until after infection was detected, potentially leaving colonies vulnerable.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Nationals introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security
  The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
  Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• The Nationals pledge to keep Victoria's coal-fired power stations operating amid growing electricity supply concerns
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has pledged existing Victorian coal-fired power stations will not close early, warning of electricity shortages, higher prices and job losses while advocating firm generation and gas investment.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.