Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Rod Fyffe has written to the state government appealing for the city to be declared a “Drought Affected Municipality”, so farmers can access drought support.
In a letter to Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford Cr Fyffe wrote that the council’s Farming Advisory Committee and the Greater Bendigo Rural Support Network were “greatly concerned about the continued viability and wellbeing of many of our farmers”.
“I have written to the Minister to strongly advocate that Greater Bendigo be declared a Drought Affected Municipality due to the considerable financial and wellbeing impacts on our farming caused by the extremely dry conditions we are experiencing,” Cr Fyffe said today.
“Serious water deficiencies are occurring on farms in the municipality, with many farmers paying to cart water for their households and stock and buying machinery to cart it. Farmers are tired, stress levels are high and finances are continuously being eroded due to the burden of buying water and feed for their livestock.”
Cr Fyffe said the impact of extended dry seasonal conditions had built over a number of years, with the effects often seen in the 12 months after weather conditions changed.
“Council is mindful that additional resources will be needed to support the wellbeing of many members of our rural community in the coming year and in the year following an improvement in seasonal conditions,” he said.
“Our farmers have managed the dry conditions very well in recent years but this sustained effort is now taking its toll. While farmers in the municipality may be able to apply for Drought Concessional Loans by claiming a one in 10 or one in 20 year rainfall deficiency, they are not eligible for the full range of drought supports that would be available if Greater Bendigo were to be declared drought affected.”
Cr Fyffe said the council, its Farming Advisory Committee and the Greater Bendigo Rural Support Network would welcome the opportunity to further discuss the support needs of local farmers with the Minister.
For further information about the supports available for drought affected areas visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/drought-preparedness/drought-response-package-overview