The concerns of Sunraysia growers have been heard, with Mildura Rural City Council welcoming the announcement of dedicated financial support for horticulture producers impacted by the March 2026 rain and flood event.
The support package, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will provide eligible horticulture businesses across Mildura Rural City, Swan Hill Rural City, Gannawarra Shire and Loddon Shire with grants of up to $25,000 for essential recovery activities.
Eligible producers may also access concessional loans of up to $250,000 for significant asset damage or up to $100,000 for major income loss.
The announcement follows months of advocacy by Council and industry representatives on behalf of affected growers.
In recent weeks, Mildura Mayor Ali Cupper wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seeking urgent intervention, highlighting the ongoing financial hardship being experienced across the region's nationally significant horticulture sector.
The letter built on a sustained push by Council to the Victorian Government, including direct representations to Victorian ministers and local Members of Parliament regarding the ongoing impacts of the disaster on Sunraysia growers.
Cr Cupper said the assistance would provide much-needed relief for businesses still dealing with the impacts of the March disaster.
"This announcement will come as a welcome relief to many growers who have been carrying the financial impacts of the March floods for months," she said.
"We thank both the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments for listening to the concerns of our region and delivering support that recognises the significant challenges still being experienced across our horticulture industry.
"We have been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Sunraysia Table Grape Growers Association, which has worked tirelessly to ensure the experiences and concerns of growers were heard at every level of government.
"Their leadership throughout this process has been invaluable and I thank everyone who has played a role in securing this much-needed assistance for our growers."
