Rate relief for Moyne’s primary producers

Published on 01 September 2025

Moyne Shire Council is set to apply a 40% rebate on the 2025-2026 general rates and municipal charges of drought affected farmers.

Of the $35.8 million Drought Support Package the State Government announced for selected south-west Victorian councils in July 2025, $4,594,145 has been allocated to eligible recipients in Moyne Shire.

Mayor Karen Foster said Council was grateful for the State Government’s financial support for drought-affected farmers under its Primary Producer Support Payments program.

“It’s reassuring to see the State Government recognising that our communities do need support and we’re grateful to be able to pass the rebate through to our farmers,” Cr. Foster said.

“We know our farming communities will feel the effects of these record dry conditions for years to come. We have a long way to go, and Council will continue to press for further support to manage the severe impacts of the drought,” she said.

Other measures in the package were also welcomed, including funding for mental health services, fee and duty relief, timely farm debt mediation and further technical decision-making support.

Cr Foster said the support package had been informed by the State Government’s Drought Response Taskforce and the significant advocacy effort undertaken by Moyne and neighbouring shire councils.

More information on the drought support measures can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/drought-support