Community
26 November, 2025
Drought support available for farmers
THE Victorian Government has announced expanded drought support programs in a bid to connect Victorian farmers to essential services following the most recent meeting of the Drought Response Taskforce.
The taskforce met last Friday, following which Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced an extension of key drought programs which brings the State Government’s Drought Support Package to more than $146.5 million.
Farmers from across the state will have access to a second Farm Advisory Service one-on-one consultation with a technical specialist.
Community wellbeing support will continue with a new round of funding for the Look Over the Farm Gate grants program opening in February 2026, administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) wellbeing counsellor in the southwest will be extended until December 31 2026, offering free confidential wellbeing support alongside financial and business counselling – helping farmers stay strong and plan for the future.
Across Victoria, more than 100 Look Over the Farm Gate events have brought communities together, engaging around 13,000 people.
So far, more than 700 farmers have participated in consultations through the Farm Advisory Service, and RFCS wellbeing counsellors have supported more than 100 farming businesses.
“The expanded Drought Support Package means farmers will be better prepared over approaching months with assistance on water and feed budgeting, pasture re-establishment, cashflow, wellbeing and business planning,” Ms Spence said.
In addition to the drought support package, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) will receive $677,000 over two years to support financial services which assist Victorian farmers.
The funding will enable the VFF to support farming families to maintain ownership of their homes and land through drought periods where income is affected.
Two financial capability staff members will support farmers across the state through community outreach activities and educational resources.
“We know the financial impact of drought doesn’t end when it rains,” VFF president Brett Hosking said.
“Farmers across Victoria have accrued significant losses and will need all the support they can get as they rebuild their businesses.
“We thank the government for this support.”
New support for small businesses in drought affected areas will be provided through a $600,000 package co-funded by the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation in partnership with Regional Development Victoria.
Grants of up to $50,000 in eligible areas will help councils, rural and regional Chambers of Commerce and trade associations deliver local projects which boost spending and grow business activity.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available to drought impacted farmers, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
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