- Published:
- Friday 3 January 2025
The Allan Labor Government is working in partnership with regional communities to strengthen resilience against future droughts by creating targeted plans to address issues at the local level.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced grants totalling $3.42 million have been awarded to nine regional organisations across Victoria to implement actions identified within the Regional Drought Resilience Plans.
Victoria has Regional Drought Resilience Plans in place for all nine regions across the state – the first state to do so through the national Regional Drought Resilience Planning program.
The Regional Drought Resilience Planning program is funded through the Albanese Labor Government’s Future Drought Fund and co-funded by the Allan Labor Government.
The Future Drought Fund invests $100 million a year to help farmers and communities across Australia prepare for drought.
Among the grant recipients is Southern Farming Systems, which has been awarded $380,000 to coordinate and deliver activities that will ensure the Barwon and South Coast regions are better prepared to manage future droughts and other climate risks.
The Government will continue to invest in drought preparedness programs over the next four years with a $10.2 million investment announced in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 to deliver programs co-funded by the Future Drought Fund.
The Allan Labor Government is also delivering a $13.53 million Drought Support Package to support farmers in south west Victoria to respond to the current drought, including co-contribution grants of up to $5,000 for on-farm improvements for water infrastructure upgrades.
For more information on the Commonwealth Governments Future Drought Fund and Regional Drought Resilience Plans visit, agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land.
To learn more on Victoria’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning program and a list of grant recipients visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“We know the next drought could be just around the corner, that’s why it’s so important we give agricultural communities the support they need now to plan and prepare for the future.”
“These grants will provide vital financial support for Victoria’s regions to continue to develop and strengthen their drought resilience plans and ensure they can continue to grow world class produce.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“We are working with our local communities to plan ahead for future droughts while helping farmers deal with the current impacts of the drought in the South West.”