National Party Leader Peter Ryan said drought-affected communities had been anxious about delays in reinstating drought relief measures and would welcome the long-overdue assistance.

"The Brumby Government has been dragging its heels in responding to the worsening drought situation and I'm happy they've now finally taken action," he said.

"The drought relief measures announced today were stopped by the Government in June this year, and this reinstatement has been three months overdue.

"The reinstatement of the 50 per cent rate subsidies on municipal rates and charges for 2008-09 will be especially important for affected communities."

Mr Ryan said the additional $58 million for water rate rebates for irrigators announced yesterday would also be welcomed, but he was concerned farmers might not qualify for benefits unless they receive less than 30 per cent of normal water entitlements, compared with the current, more generous qualifying point of 40 per cent.

"I urge the Government now to make sure this assistance flows immediately through to drought-affected communities," he said.

Mr Ryan said analysis by the Bureau of Meteorology showed that the drought was the longest and hottest on record, and reinforced the seriousness of a dire situation.

"Farming communities are under tremendous strain.

"The deteriorating conditions, together with the increasing likelihood of crop failures and the consequences of minimal water allocations, are really biting."

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Liberal-Nationals Coalition had increased pressure on the Government last week in Parliament to make Premier John Brumby push through the relief measures.