DROUGHT relief measures have been extended across the state, with Mansfield Shire and the North East previously excluded from assistance now included in the state government package.

As part of the original package, the government had also announced the delayed roll-out of the recently legislated Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund contribution to 24 drought-impacted local government areas (LGAs), capping payments at the current rate.

Mansfield Shire and other LGAs in the North East however were not included on this list.

This has now changed with all primary production properties now eligible for the reduced rate, with the reduction applied automatically to rates notices.

The ESVF rate will now remain the same as the 2024-2025 financial year for the duration of 2025-2026.

“By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery,” said Treasurer and Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes.

Local farmers will also now be able to access grants of up to $5000 to support on-farm drought management improvements, in addition to financial counselling, mental health support and access to Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical and decision-making support.

In the south-west of the state, payments will increase to $10,000 and the program will expand to also cover water carting activities and pasture re-establishment.

A dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce has also been named, so that as conditions worsen support will be informed and timely.

The announcement of the expanded package follows a week of intense pressure on the government in parliament, where the Liberal Party moved a motion calling for increased drought assistance that passed unanimously.

Numerous members raised concerns about the level of drought assistance with Wendy Lovell, Member for Northern Victoria calling on the state government to include all municipalities in the North East region who were also grappling with deteriorating conditions.

Despite assistance now being available statewide, Ms Lovell has condemned the new package as “too little, too late” with the lack of direct financial assistance for feed or fodder delivery, or subsidised water supply for agricultural purposes of significant concern.

“Prolonged protests by CFA volunteers and farmers have forced the state government to accept that tripling the emergency services tax on farmers is cruel and heartless – but they had to be dragged kicking and screaming to this backflip, and the pause on the tax increase will not last forever,” Ms Lovell said.

“The current support package, which requires farmers to make a co-contribution toward on-farm infrastructure for water and grain storage, is a package to prepare for future droughts – but farmers need support for this drought.

“I will keep fighting to scrap the tax for good, and to get substantial direct assistance to farmers in need right now,” she said.

The latest weather data shows the anticipated ‘autumn break’ has failed to eventuate with the majority of the state receiving just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall for the month of May.

With conditions expected to continue into June, the government has committed an additional $37.7 million in funding to the expanded drought package with assurances that a further package will be forthcoming.