Council
29 May, 2025
Changes needed to support farmers
MOYNE Shire councillors have called on the both Federal and State Governments to amend its definition of a “natural disaster” in a bid to support farmers.
An urgent motion was debated at this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council which calls on the Commonwealth and Victorian State Governments to amend the definition of a natural disaster to include significant drought events.
The adjustment, which reflects the reality being experienced across south west Victoria, would assist governments in providing required financial and resource assistance to those experiencing hardship and distress.
Moyne Shire Council mayor councillor Karen Foster said the motion was prompted by the farmer-led Drought Relief Roundtable she attended on Monday with Moyne Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Mark Eversteyn at Deakin University in Warrnambool.
“While droughts are considered a natural hazard, our state and federal governments do not generally define them as natural disasters like fires or floods,” she said.
“A natural disaster declaration would open up opportunities for lump sum payments, short-term income support and other grants and loans that are currently not available to our farmers.
“Yesterday, at the roundtable discussion, we heard that the most urgent need farmers have right now is cashflow.
“While we may not be able to get the water flowing, we might have a chance at getting some cash flowing to our farmers and to our regional economy.”
Cr Foster shared her appreciation with her fellow councillors for their prompt resolution to support the motion.
“I am grateful to my fellow councillors for their support for this motion and for their leadership,” she said.
“We will make immediate representations to the state and federal governments to make this amendment.”
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