Central Goldfields Shire Council is calling on the State Government to provide additional drought relief assistance for local primary producers.
Mayor Grace La Vella says it's unfair that extra support is available for farmers in the neighbouring Pyrenees Shire, but not Central Goldfields.
"I have written to the Minister for Agriculture, asking her to ensure equity and to provide the maximum possible assistance for drought-affected primary producers in the Central Goldfields Shire," the Mayor said.
"I've also invited the Minister to visit the Central Goldfields to meet with the Council, local farmers and agribusinesses."
Mayor La Vella said the Central Goldfields Shire has been experiencing unseasonally dry conditions, adversely affecting primary production, the natural environment and rural businesses.
Maryborough received 640mm of rain in the 19 months from 1 January 2024 to 31 July 2025. This is 21.5 per cent less than the long-term mean for the same period of 815mm.
Local farmers have reported significant financial impacts, including reduced stocking rates, lower crop yields and higher fodder costs.
"The Government's drought-relief measures are appreciated but some are not available to primary producers in the Central Goldfields Shire," the Mayor said.
Drought assistance not available to farmers in the Central Goldfields includes:
- Primary Producer Support Payments which provide eligible farmers with the equivalent of a 40 per cent reduction on their property rates.
- On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants of $10,000, $5000 more than elsewhere.
- The $2 million Household Financial Relief Program, which provides up to $1000 to eligible farming families to meet urgent household expenses.
- $15 million towards extending the East Grampians Rural Pipeline.
Maryborough's 19-month rainfall deficiency is similar to most of the designated "south-west" local government areas, and higher than Hamilton (19.1%) and Ararat (21.3%).
PRODUCER COMMENTS
Laura and Kev Martin
Broadacre cropping and sheep on 300 hectares at Adelaide Lead:
"The ongoing drought has had a significant impact on our farm, affecting both our production and the sustainability of our operations. Prolonged dry conditions have reduced pasture growth, limited water availability, and placed increased pressure on feed supplies. As a result, we have had to invest in supplementary feed which had a devastating impact on our livestock, wiping out 25% of our stud stock due to acidosis. We have had to cart in additional water and have been inundated with kangaroos due to lack of feed in the bush which has decimated our recent pasture growth. The impact on our crops is currently unknown, however growth is significantly behind average years which has meant we have sourced additional off-farm work to cover certain losses. These challenges have not only increased our costs but also placed strain on the wellbeing of our livestock and our family. Despite these difficulties, we remain committed to caring for our animals, maintaining our land responsibly, and working with our community to adapt and build resilience for the future."
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