Upper House MP Wendy Lovell calls for faster drought support

LIBERAL Northern Victoria Upper House MP Wendy Lovell has called for answers from the State Government over claimed delays in approving farmers’ applications for access to the Farm Drought Support Grants program.

The grants came as part of a $144 million response to drought conditions across the state and are provided via the State Government owned Rural Finance.

“It is completely unacceptable that Victorian farmers suffering the devastating effects of the drought are still waiting to have their drought support grants approved, almost a month after applying,” Ms Lovell said.

The delays, Ms Lovell said, are preventing farmers from starting work on projects aimed at making their farms drought resilient for the future.

Those projects include infrastructure like tanks, pipes, troughs, and dams to help farmers make best use of winter rainfall and any upcoming spring rainfall.

Ms Lovell said “capturing and making efficient use of rainfall is time critical”.

“The State Government must explain why it is taking so long to approve grant applications for drought support projects and tell farmers what the governments will do to speed up the approval process,” she said.

In response, a State Government spokesperson said the issues were known, and steps were being taken to address them.

“We’ve been listening to farmers and communities who are doing it tough, that’s why we’re delivering real help, right now,” the spokesperson said.

“We are receiving a strong response to the range of grant and payment programs being offered to support farmers during drought, including the Farm Drought Support Grants administered by Rural Finance.

“Rural Finance is onboarding additional staff to deal with this surge in demand.

“More than 2450 grants have already been provided across the state, and Rural Finance continues to process applications as quickly as possible.”

A statement from the State Government said Rural Finance can be contacted on 1800 260 425 if applicants would like to enquire about their application status, while a range of financial, technical and wellbeing support is available to drought impacted farmers via Drought Support or calling 136 186.