Towong Shire Council recognises the extreme dry conditions facing our farmers and communities. Whilst we appreciate that Towong Shire has been added to the list of local government areas that are now eligible for the State Government On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants, this support package does not provide the direct assistance in terms of fodder and water or subsidies for agistment and transportation costs nor provide the counselling and mental health support needed.
State or Federal Government no longer declare droughts and we work within the National Drought Agreement 2024 - 2029 which promotes a flexible and preparedness approach to drought conditions and management. We have not been through such dry conditions locally since this National Drought Agreement was introduced which is also confusing our community.
Towong Shire Council is therefore providing support and assistance through the following:
- Taking an active advocacy approach directly to State and Federal Government agencies and ministers in addition to local members.
- Allocating resources to gather local information and data to increase the advocacy outlined above.
- Council staff will be providing outreach services visiting farmers to support grant applications and gather further information to support advocacy
- Distribute information and resources from our Agricultural partner (Riverine Plains) on managing dry conditions to our farmers
Please assist us in getting this important information out, and for further information or if you need assistance, please contact Jenny McCoy on 0407 293 907 on Tony Irwin on 0427 869 019
