State Government drought package welcome, Federal Government must come to the table
4th July 2025
Colac Otway Shire Mayor Cr Jason Schram has welcomed details of a $35.8 million State Government drought support package for the state’s farmers.
Farmers in Colac Otway Shire will be eligible for rates relief and other supports through the package.
Cr Schram said the 40 per cent rates relief would be welcome for farmers who have faced unprecedented drought pressures over the past two years.
"This drought support package is a welcome lifeline for our farmers,” Cr Schram said. “Regional Councils have been pushing hard for this and it’s pleasing to see the message start to hit home.
“The rates relief will allow farmers to focus on farmwork during these challenging times, while the funding for technical support and mental health services will help them make informed decisions and maintain their mental wellbeing.”
Cr Schram also welcomed funding for a South West Sustainable Water Strategy.
“Ensuring reliable access to water is critical for the south-west – farmers, industry and communities need assurance they will have the water they need for future prosperity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cr Schram reiterated the call for the Prime Minister to declare Victoria a “Natural Disaster Area” due to ongoing drought conditions, and to provide ongoing funding.
“Despite recent rain, we’re still well below average rainfall – dams are still low, paddocks are bare, feed stores are depleted, costs are high, and farming families are scraping together what they can to make ends meet,” he said.
“Our farmers keep our nation fed and clothed – without them we would be in a lot of trouble. That’s why it’s vital they have the help they need to make it through these tough periods,” he said.
“It will take years for farmers to recover financially and mentally from this drought, and years for herd sizes to return to normal after so many had to sell off cattle and sheep due to lack of feed.
“The Federal Government needs to recognise this and come to the table now with funding and support.”
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