Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

Picker grants barking up the wrong tree, growers say

Work force shortage still has not been resolved by the government.

By news@gippsland - 4th March 2021 - Back to News

Victorian farmers are questioning the value of relocation grants announced by the Andrews Labor Government, as many still struggle to attract seasonal workers. With table grape harvest underway, the peak body representing growers has today said the grant schemes on offer don’t appear to be working.

Farmers need to be assisted with seasonal workers to avoid agricultural produce from going to waste

No solutions yet for seasonal workers

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the Andrews Labor Government was just throwing money at the issue and hoping it would go away. "We’ve known since early 2020 that COVID restrictions would put a handbrake on the seasonal workforce for this year’s harvest, but it took until January this year for the Andrews Government to act," Mr Walsh said.

Potential workers buried in red tape

"Even then, the deal with Tasmania is yet to deliver a single seasonal worker onto a Victorian farm more than a month since it was announced. Meanwhile, potential workers are being turned off of applying for Victoria’s relocation incentives because the onerous process buries them in paperwork."

Victorian produce ploughed to the ground

Fruit and vegetable growers and the meat processing sector are sinking under the weight of workforce shortages, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in high-quality Victorian produce ploughed into the ground because it couldn’t be picked in time. In the six months to December 2020, just 15 people applied for Victorian relocation grants.

"We’re now in March but the Andrews Labor Government is still no closer to a solution and no closer to delivering the workers our farmers so desperately need. Labor is all headline and no deadline. Growers are best placed to know where assistance should be directed, but instead of consulting with them, Daniel Andrews and his Agriculture Minister are just spraying money in every direction and hoping it bears fruit." Mr Walsh said.

Pictures from Michael O'Brien MP Website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives.
• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
  Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives.
• Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
  Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Darren Chester says growers and industry groups are concerned Labor's visa processing pause is creating uncertainty for farmers
  Australian farmers warn delayed visa processing for seasonal and skilled workers could worsen labour shortages, disrupt harvests, reduce food production and push fresh produce prices higher for Australian families.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• 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.
• Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
  Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections by 8 November 2026
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections. Residents can complete an online survey from October 12 to November 8, 2026.