Webster demands Andrews “step up” on Millewa help

MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster says it is time for Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to “step up” and help struggling Millewa farmers.

Dr Webster said the state government needed to emulate the work being done by the NSW Government with its drought relief efforts.

“The Victorian Government has done very little,” she said.

“I have written a letter to Premier Daniel Andrews and I spoke twice in chamber last week calling for the Victorian Government to rally to the need of our Millewa farmers, those who are doing it incredibly tough — to do their part in looking after and caring for our farmers.

“I think it’s been far too slow and I’ve urged Premier Andrews to act.

“He needs to see it and he needs to understand the suffering these farmers are going through, and the support that they need.”

Dr Webster said the NSW Government had led the way in supporting drought-stricken farmers with more than $1.8 billion committed to drought relief through various programs including the Drought Assistance Fund which provides up to $50,000 for transport, stock, feed and water; the Farm Innovation Fund which are loans up to $1 million for infrastructure works; the Drought Transport Subsidy and other waivers of rates and permit fees to help farmers.

Dr Webster said the Regional Investment Organisation’s new $200,000 restocking and replanting loan which were designed to help farmers get back up and running when the drought broke and which include interest-free and interest-only periods were part of the Federal Government’s commitment to helping Millewa farmers.

She said other federal commitments included the Future Drought Fund — which doesn’t start until next year — as well as $77 million for rural financial counselling services and $110m for the Drought Communities Program.

“Our farmers shouldn’t still be sitting in doubt wondering how they are going to manage,” Dr Webster said.

“Across the whole of the Mallee electorate, Millewa is our worst hit, and it’s the worst drought since settlement.

“It’s severe. I’ve spoken to farmers out there who remember the 1943-46 drought and they know this is the worst.”