As drought continues to spread across Victoria, I am hearing from an increasing number of producers who are managing the demands of livestock, farm finances, household costs, the wellbeing of their families and their own mental health.
Ahead of the Drought Response Taskforce's first meeting tomorrow, I am calling for it to urgently consider:
- Access to affordable stock water from all possible water points, including the desalination facility as well as treated waste water from Western and Eastern Water Treatment Plants.
- Freight assistance for fodder, water and livestock agistment.
- Expand access to existing mental health supports across the state, including allowing the family members of students to access the mental health practitioners in schools program to support farming families, and to work with Mental Health Victoria to unlock and expand both professional and evidence-based grassroots mental health support and resilience programs.
These measures will provide much needed support to primary producers as they battle ongoing drought conditions.
These drought conditions are impacting now and anticipated to last for the foreseeable future.
The Allan Labor Government must stand ready to immediately fund all recommendations put forward by the Drought Response Taskforce and assist producers with meaningful and ongoing support in a timely and effective manner.
The Liberals and Nationals will continue to support and engage with primary producers and provide their valuable feedback directly to government.
