Eligible Farm Household Allowance recipients and young farmers can apply for a one-off payment of $3,500.
Central and East Gippsland farmers impacted by drought are reminded there are grants and programs available to help manage farm businesses now and into the future.
Prue McTaggart, Gippsland Dry Seasonal Conditions Coordinator, said the Victorian Government has so far provided almost $45 million to assist farmers and farming communities across Central and East Gippsland and North and North West Victoria.
“There are a number of grants available to assist farmers manage current conditions and prepare their farm and business for a positive future. If you are thinking about applying for any of the assistance available I strongly encourage you to do so now, you may be eligible for more than you think.”
The Farm Business Assistance program provides a one-off support payment to farm businesses in Wellington and East Gippsland Shires. Eligible Farm Household Allowance recipients and young farmers can apply for a one-off payment of $3,500. Other eligible farm businesses can apply for a $2,500 one off payment.
Ms McTaggart said there are a range of other programs available in East Gippsland and Wellington Shires including:
- Pasture Recovery and Management Grant Program
- On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Support Grants
- On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme
- Catchment Management Authorities Drought Employment Program.
Ms McTaggart said there has been a range of infrastructure improvements detailed in applications for the $5,000 from the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Support Grant Program.
Examples of these applications to improve farm business long-term preparedness include new Stock Containment Areas and water reticulation equipment.
“We have also had positive feedback from many farmers who have attended our technical decision-making workshops delivered across the state – with more happening as we speak.”
The grants and Farm Business Assistance programs are being delivered by Rural Finance. For more information or to apply please contact them on 1800 260 425 or visit www.ruralfinance.com.au.
For more information on technical decision-making workshops across East and Central Gippsland, including one-on-one consultation sessions, call Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or visit our offices in Bairnsdale, Maffra and Swifts Creek.
For the latest information about all assistance and information available visit www.agriculturevic.gov.au/dryseasons.