The relief package for drought-hit farmers announced today by the Allan Labor Government is a sad case of too little, too late.
It is no more than a starting point and has come far too slowly, given farmers in the state's south-west have been battling the big dry for two years.
After so much hardship, farmers have been handed financial relief that falls well short of recommendations by the Drought Relief Taskforce.
Although farmers are now eligible for a 40 per cent reduction in their rates, the taskforce recommended a 100 per cent reduction - total rate relief.
Despite recent rain, access to affordable water and feed remains a priority.
The package includes funding for the East Grampians Rural Pipeline. The government must now get on with the job of finishing the project in full - with no more delays.
The pipeline was promised in 2018 to supply the region with water year-round. There are no more excuses - this latest investment must finally finish the project.
Overall, this financial assistance package clearly doesn't go far enough.
All Labor has managed, after months of dragging its feet, is to finally bring us in line with the support offered to South Australian farmers across the border.
