Mayor invites Premier to visit drought-stricken region
Published on 27 May 2025
Moyne Shire Mayor Cr Karen Foster has invited the Premier, the Treasurer, and Minister for Agriculture to visit the south-west region.
Moyne continues to experience record low rainfall, and the financial and emotional burden upon our rural communities and economy is unprecedented. These are tough times for our people and livestock, and they need help urgently.
The long-range rainfall forecast indicates below-average rainfall is likely to continue. Consequently, we must anticipate harder times ahead.
Mayor, Cr Karen Foster said she had invited the Premier to personally witness the impacts of the drought on our farmers, primary producers and agricultural industries, our retailers and community groups, and most of all on our families.
“Many farmers are spending tens of thousands of dollars weekly on feed and water,” said Cr Foster.
“Farmers are beginning to sell off their livestock to cover these costs, a heartbreaking and unsustainable practice that puts at risk our regional economy, our long-term food supply and the wellbeing of our communities,” she said.
“With the availability of water and fodder becoming scarce and more costly, Moyne Shire Council asks the Victorian State Government to co-ordinate emergency supply into the region from other parts of Victoria and interstate.”
In April 2025, the South Australian government increased its support for drought-affected farmers and communities by $55m, reaching a total package of $73m.
“Moyne Shire Council requests the Victorian State Government immediately match this funding support for our farmers who are experiencing the very same drought conditions,” she said.
“The Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund Levy legislation has added a significant and disproportionate burden to farmers in their hour of need. Moyne Shire Council reiterates its call upon the Victorian State Government to immediately suspend the introduction of the ESVF Levy ahead of determining an equitable distribution model.
“We ask that the government consider repeating a scheme from the 2009/10 drought, which saw a 50% concession on general rates to eligible farmers. The Exceptional Circumstances Municipal Rates Subsidies scheme provided a significant gesture of support to those affected by the drought.”
Such is the plight of so many in our agriculture communities, Moyne Shire Council asks the Victorian State Government to dedicate all available mental health resource support to the south-west region.
“We want to explore further ways the Victorian State Government can support our region in its biggest crisis in generations, and work together on meeting the most pressing needs in our region.”