A MOTION to provide extra funding for farming households struggling with the ongoing drought has been put forward by Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, Member for Northern Victoria Region.
Ms Tyrrell successfully moved the motion in Victorian Parliament last week, referencing the “crippling impact the current drought is having on Victorian farming families, with ever-increasing costs of stock feed, water, fuel and freight costs, all in the midst of the current cost of living crisis”.
She also spoke about the recent changes to the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy.
“This drought has been described as the worst in living memory and our farming communities are doing it so tough,” Ms Tyrrell said.
“This motion is the first step in securing them some financial help, similar to the payments the Government made to farmers during the drought of 2019.”
In 2019, the Andrews Labor Government created grants of up to $3000 for farming families struggling with the drought.
Farmers and councils have been pleading for similar payments to be made available in 2025.
“By supporting my motion, Government members have acknowledged that more has to be done to help our farmers at this time and now Jacinta Allan needs to take action and provide financial assistance to the farmers that work so hard to feed us every day,” Ms Tyrrell said.
The motion passed unanimously on Wednesday and Ms Tyrrell said she was grateful for the support from members of the Legislative Council.
