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Eastern Victoria farmers still waiting for promised drought support despite government's month-old eligibility announcement

Farmers in eastern Victoria still can't access promised drought support. The Nationals urge Labor to deliver immediate financial, fodder, and water assistance as local producers struggle with mounting costs and stress.

By news@gippsland - 18th June 2025 - Back to News

Farmers in eastern Victoria are no closer to accessing promised drought support despite Labor announcing the region eligible over a month ago. In a statement released on 15 May, the Allan government said it had expanded drought support to include the local government areas of Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Cardinia, and South Gippsland.

Danny O'Brien says it's unacceptable Labor makes farmers wait for drought support, hearing from frustrated locals getting no replies or only Expressions of Interest instead of real help

Backing Gippsland farmers

In state parliament, The Nationals' Melina Bath called on Labor to recognise farmers' desperate need for assistance. "While dollar for dollar infrastructure grants are woefully insufficient, it is insulting that they remain unavailable for eastern Victorian farmers in drought impacted areas. This program has been operational in western Victoria - access to eligible local farmers should have been seamless. Labor must listen, announce transportation subsidies and open these grants without hesitation."

Leader of The Nationals and Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said it was inexplicable Labor was making farmers wait for drought support. "I have been hearing from tired and frustrated farmers who receive no reply upon application, while others are informed only Expressions of Interest are being taken. The Labor government's only focus is the optics and not the outcomes for our farmers. How does it take over a month to allow farmers to apply?"

Ms Bath said many Gippsland primary producers were battling mounting bills and limited or no feed or water. "Victorian farmers and The Nationals are calling for fodder, agistment and water support. Our local Rural Financial Counselling Services are being inundated with farmers in mental and financial distress as drought conditions bite into every aspect of their life. The Nationals are calling on Labor to step up and deliver the immediate financial support our farmers desperately need."

Pictures from Michael O'Brien MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• Tim Bull says kangaroo overpopulation devastates farms, with permits insufficient to protect crops and livelihoods
  Gippsland farmers face severe crop damage from exploding kangaroo populations. MP Tim Bull urges urgent permit reforms to allow practical, case-by-case management, protecting livelihoods and ensuring ongoing food production.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to use free blind safety kits to prevent tragic child accidents
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges residents to order free Consumer Affairs Victoria blind safety kits, warning unsecured curtain cords are a hazard and simple fixes can prevent child deaths.
• Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
  Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities.
• Danny O’Brien criticises ongoing social housing maintenance delays leaving vulnerable Gippslanders waiting far too long
  Danny O’Brien warns ongoing delays in social housing maintenance leave vulnerable Gippslanders waiting months, highlighting a vacant Foster property and urging timely repairs and better decision-making to address shortages.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Danny O'Brien visits Gippsland schools honouring Anzac Legacy by planting 100 lone pines across Victoria
  Gippsland schools joined the "100 Lone Pines Project," with Danny O’Brien delivering seedlings, connecting students to Gallipoli history and honoring the Anzac legacy through planting descendant pines across Victoria.
• Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
  The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park wins 2025 Geographic Naming Award, celebrating local heritage and community contributions
  Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park, still under construction, has won the 2025 Geographic Naming Award, recognising Mrs Malacarne lifelong contributions and the community-led naming process.
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor government over delayed Morwell sobering-up facility, broken promises and lack of ministerial accountability
  Martin Cameron criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to deliver the promised Morwell sobering-up facility, ignoring repeated parliamentary questions, leaving the Latrobe Valley without adequate public intoxication support.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.