Corangamite Shire Mayor Cr Kate Makin has been appointed to a newly established Drought Response Taskforce, announced today by the State Government.
The appointment comes as the Government expands its Drought Package in response to worsening conditions across the state. With May rainfall falling well below expectations and forecasts indicating continued dry conditions into June, the Government has committed an additional $37.7 million to support farmers and rural communities.
Cr Makin, in her capacity as Deputy Chair of Rural Councils Victoria, will serve on the Taskforce, which brings together key leaders from across agriculture, finance, health, and local government. The Taskforce will be chaired by the Premier and will provide direct advice to government on urgent drought relief measures and long-term recovery strategies.
"I'm honoured to represent Corangamite and rural communities across Victoria on this critical Taskforce," said Cr Makin.
"Our farmers are facing incredibly tough conditions, and it's vital that their voices are heard at the highest levels of government."
The expanded Drought Package includes:
- Grants of up to $5,000 for on-farm drought management, with up to $10,000 available in 11 council areas including parts of south-west Victoria.
- Financial counselling and mental health support.
- Support for water carting and pasture re-establishment.
- A statewide freeze on the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) contribution for primary producers.
Cr Makin said Council welcomes the additional funding but emphasised it's not enough. More support is essential, and the Taskforce's role is to determine this.
"This is not just about immediate relief, it's also about ensuring the long-term resilience of our farming communities," Cr Makin said.
"I look forward to working with fellow Taskforce members to deliver practical, meaningful outcomes."
The Taskforce's first meeting is scheduled for next week, with further support measures to be announced shortly thereafter.
The Taskforce will include:
- Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
- Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
- Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
- Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Michaela Settle
- Nationals MP for Murray Plains Peter Walsh
- President of the Victorian Farmers Federation Brett Hosking
- Regional Cities Victoria Chair, Cr Shane Sali
- Rural Councils Victoria Deputy Chair, Cr Kate Makin
- Dr Susan Brumby, National Centre for Farmers Health
- CWA Victoria President, Jenny Nola
- Stock Agent Representative, Heath Templeton – President of the Hamilton and District Stock Agents Association
- NAB Executive for Regional and Agribusiness, Khan Horne
- Robert Musgrove, General Manager, Corporate and Public Affairs, Bendigo Bank
The Mayor and CEO David Rae also met with Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence yesterday afternoon to discuss urgent concerns around the drought and the ESVF levy.
"It's positive to see our advocacy for our community turning into tangible results," Mr. Rae said.
"This is just the beginning, and we remain committed to working with government and community stakeholders to ensure further meaningful action is taken."
