Source: arr.news, Naski Swami, First Published June 19, 2025

Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has acknowledged some breakthrough wins delivered by the Victorian government’s Drought Response Taskforce, while warning significant challenges remain unresolved.

The government has agreed to speed up access to interstate fodder, expand fodder delivery routes and fast-track kangaroo control permits for rural landholders.

“These are steps in the right direction but there’s still a mighty long way to go,” said RCV deputy chair Cr Kate Makin, who is a member of the taskforce.

“RCV has been in constant dialogue with member councils about the types of supports rural communities require.”

Towong Shire mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead, said that “We are pleased with the government’s announcement to provide a 12-month pause on the increased Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund Levy (ESVFL) for all primary producers.”

“This decision follows strong advocacy from local councils, community members and those who signed petitions and participated in protests.

“While this is a positive step, council continues to oppose the ESVFL and is calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to meet with rural councils to discuss a fairer path forward.

“If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to sign the petition and help us continue the push for meaningful change at www.change.org/p/protect-farmers-and-rural-families-from-unfair-new-tax.”

Cr Makin added that there were key matters the taskforce still needed to deliver on including subsidised council rates, fair loans and ongoing council supports.

“We need to be talking about how to deliver fully-funded rate subsidies for primary producers in drought zones, zero interest loans that don’t need to be matched by farmers and direct funding for councils to boost local support programs and infrastructure spending,” she said.

“These are common sense measures that would help farmers and local economies immediately.”

Other challenges raised by rural councils include the need for:-

• Greater access to emergency water supplies, including assistance with delivery
• Household allowances to support families through hardship
• Boosted mental health supports
• A relaxation of roadside grazing rules
• The expansion of the Rural Financial Counselling Service,
• More flexibility in the criteria for on-farm infrastructure support
• Additional support for community events and social opportunities to strengthen social bonds and reduce isolation.