The VFF Drought Response Framework is built on the principles of fairness, evidence-based decision-making, and responsiveness to the unique needs of Victorian farming communities. It recognises that drought does not affect all regions or enterprises equally—its impacts vary significantly across farming systems, from intensive livestock operations and broadacre cropping to mixed enterprises and horticulture. The framework ensures support is scalable, regionally targeted, and sensitive to the differing vulnerabilities of farm households and businesses.
With the recently announced Victorian Government Drought Response Taskforce, VFF President Brett Hosking will be using this as a basis to advocate of what support is needed as Victoria’s drought continues.
The Framework is purely directed at a Victorian state level. Further federal government support initiatives, including low-interest loans are being worked on separately as part of broader drought support for farmers.
You can view the outline of the VFF’s Drought Response Framework below:
Tiered Drought Support Model
Tier 1: Watch & Preparedness
Triggers: Rainfall below 30th percentile for 3 months
Support Measures:
- Drought preparedness campaigns and online toolkits
- Farm planning workshops (financial, agronomic, succession)
- Mental health and financial counselling services
- Water efficiency grants (up to $5,000)
Tier 2: Moderate Drought Stress
Triggers: Rainfall below 20th percentile for 6 months, significant soil moisture deficits
Support Measures:
- Drought Infrastructure Support Grants:
- $20,000 for farm businesses >$500k turnover
- $10,000 for farm businesses <$500k turnover
- Reimbursed upon receipts for infrastructure like silos, tanks, feed systems
- Pasture and Fodder Crop Reseeding Grants:
- Funding based on local agronomist recommendations to support fast pasture recovery
- Livestock Water Relief:
- Subsidised water carting for remote properties
- Temporary water infrastructure installation
- Hardship Assistance:
- $3,000 annual payment for FHA recipients
- Full rates waiver for primary producers in affected LGAs
- Education and Participation Support:
- School excursion/camp travel subsidies for rural families
- Youth sport and community group participation grants (covering fees, gear, gate/canteen costs)
Tier 3: Severe Drought
Triggers: Rainfall below 10th percentile for 9+ months; regional economic and environmental distress
Support Measures:
- Drought Recovery Loans:
- Up to $250,000 at concessional interest rates for recovery investments
- Emergency Household Relief:
- $5,000 direct support for FHA recipients and low-income households
- Expanded Rates Relief:
- State Government pays full local government rates for eligible primary producers and agribusinesses in drought-affected LGAs (early payment to also relieve pressure on LGs)
- Community Resilience Support:
- Grants to local governments and NFPs for local drought response initiatives
- Emergency Livestock Water Security:
- Strategic bore drilling, regional carting hubs
- Pipeline access agreements and infrastructure repair support
- Telehealth & Mental Health Expansion:
- Scaled services for remote and regional access
Statewide Measures and Strategic Recommendations
The following measures respond to broader regional and sector-wide impacts:
- Wildlife & Pest Management:
- Relaxed controls for managing kangaroos and wild dogs in drought zones
- Freight and Transport:
- Expand Victoria’s High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) network to accommodate interstate fodder transport
- Fodder Supply Chain Access:
- Assess regulatory and logistical barriers to interstate (e.g., WA) and international fodder imports (e.g., palm kernel)
- Strategic Water Planning:
- Update Strategic Water Use Strategies to reflect current drought impacts and emerging industrial demands (e.g., mineral sands mining)
- Pipeline Investment Acceleration:
- Fast-track projects like East Grampians and Heytesbury for future-proofing regional water access
This framework provides a structured and evidence-informed approach to supporting Victorian farmers and communities through the escalating impacts of drought. By tailoring interventions to drought severity, it ensures timely, targeted, and cost-effective support that enhances recovery outcomes and strengthens long-term resilience. The inclusion of infrastructure, financial, mental health, and community-based measures recognises the complex and far-reaching effects of drought, including its significant toll on mental wellbeing.
The Victorian Farmers Federation is committed to proactive and solutions-focused advocacy and looks forward to working closely with the Victorian Government, Agriculture Victoria, and other stakeholders to implement this framework. Together, we can build a more resilient agricultural sector and stronger rural communities in the face of ongoing climate variability.
KEY POINTS:
- Framework offers immediate, mid-term, and strategic solutions
- Designed to be scalable, fast to implement, and equitable
- Seeks AgVic collaboration to operationalise and fund key elements