State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland launched the petition to recognise drought conditions in northern and north-east Victoria.
Ms Cleeland said the decision to start the petition came after farmers in northern and north-east Victoria weren’t included in the government’s latest drought relief measures.
“The Allan Labor Government’s recent drought support package completely excludes north-east Victoria, leaving our farming communities behind during one of the toughest seasons in recent memory,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Farmers in our region are dealing with bare paddocks, empty dams and skyrocketing costs to transport hay just to keep their livestock alive.
“The pressure on saleyards and freight is immense, and morale is at a breaking point.”
The petition was put online on Tuesday, May 20, and as Dairy News Australia went to print it had received more than 4000 signatures.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced an extra $15.9 million in drought support to help more farmers and communities over winter, on Thursday, May 15, expanding on the $13.5 million package announced in September 2024.
Support will continue in the original 11 local government areas in south-west Victoria, and will expand to West Wimmera, Horsham, Northern Grampians, Hepburn, Moorabool, Ballarat, Towong, Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Cardinia, Baw Baw, Casey, South Gippsland and French Island.
Ms Cleeland’s petition asks for a formal drought declaration for northern and north-east Victoria — including the Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Benalla, Strathbogie, Mitchell and Mansfield local government areas — and the immediate inclusion of the region in all relevant drought assistance programs.
Being eligible for support would also mean farmers can access rebates under the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund when it comes into effect on July 1.
Ms Cleeland said the petition wasn’t about asking for handouts.
“It’s about ensuring farmers in our region are treated fairly and given the support they need to keep going,” she said.
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said dry conditions in the Goulburn Valley — the fruit bowl of the nation — would affect all Australians.
She said the “serious rainfall deficiencies across northern Victoria” were being felt by every single farmer.
“The impact of drought conditions on farmers is impossible to overstate,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The current situation is untenable for our farmers as paddocks become unseasonably bare, and dams begin to run dry.
“While the financial strain is severe, the toll on mental health is just as serious, and it’s growing.
“At the very least, the Allan Labor Government must extend the same drought support currently available to south-west Victoria, to farmers in the north.”
The petition is available to sign until June 19 at: tinyurl.com/ykemxhxt
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