Community
17 July, 2025
VFF welcomes state funding
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed an additional $75 million in Victorian Government drought support funding as being “a step in the right direction” as parts of the state continue to face record drought conditions.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the support was sorely needed and a testament to the sustained advocacy from VFF, farmers and the wider regional community.
“You can’t overstate how devastating this drought has been to our regional communities and the only certainty we know is the recovery will take years,” he said.
“Genuine support is what’s needed and this announcement is a step in the right direction.”
Mr Hosking said the VFF’s expectation was the entirety of funding would be allocated to local councils fully and promptly to be passed onto drought-hit communities without delay.
“Our communities are hurting right now and it’s my expectation that this money goes directly to drought-hit farmers straight away and paid in full,” he said.
“Immediate rate relief is a good example of how that can be done and is something we’ve been calling for.”
Mr Hosking said the funding was welcome, but cautioned the need for support will extend far beyond what has been allocated.
“We’re in this for the long haul and whilst we thank the Victorian Government for their support, by no means are we out of the woods just yet,” he said.
“VFF has employed a drought support officer to be on the ground to speak with farmers and rural communities and we will continue to monitor conditions and ensure government is informed to provide further support to farmers as the season continues.”
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