East Gippsland Shire Council is urgently requesting the Minister for Agriculture to include Benambra and Omeo in the State's expanded drought support package.
Announced late last week, the $15.9 million package added 13 new areas eligible for support across the State, however Omeo and Benambra were overlooked despite these areas facing extremely difficult, prolonged dry conditions.
Mayor John White said the farming communities of Benambra and Omeo are under exceptional pressure.
"These farmers are experiencing some of the worst seasonal impacts in living memory. Following a dry spring and summer and failed autumn break, the region has seen no significant rainfall, extreme frosts damaging emerging crops, critically low dam water levels, exhausted fodder stores, soaring fodder costs and unavailability, and a major destocking," John said.
"Without immediate Government support, which has been afforded to similar farming regions also doing it very tough, the impacts to businesses will be irreversible and the long-term economic sustainability of the region further challenged."
The Mayor said many parts of East Gippsland have had good seasonal conditions, but that should not mean High Country farmers are excluded from vital support.
"We are a large and diverse shire where conditions can vary significantly. The guidelines for drought assistance must be flexible to ensure communities like Benambra and Omeo can get the immediate support they need," John said.
'When the farming community is under pressure like it is in Benambra and Omeo at present, it has a ripple effect throughout the community, businesses and households. We strongly urge the Minister for Agriculture to support our High Country communities of Benambra and Omeo."
The new funding announced by the Government for other local government areas will provide farm businesses with technical and decision-making support. A 'Look Over the Farm Gate' mental health and wellbeing grant program will be available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress.
The package also includes an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant Program for on-farm upgrades that provide immediate support in managing drought and builds future resilience.
"Our farmers need immediate assistance to feed and water their stock. Matching funding for new sheds and infrastructure may seem like a great idea, but the reality is our farmers need immediate support for fodder," John said.
"If drought support is provided, it may open up eligibility to partial rebates to help pay for the exorbitant tax increase for farmers under the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund - the new tax we have fought hard to stop and one our farmers cannot afford at any time, let alone during drought."
