Drought support

A paddock in the late afternoon with sheep, in the background is a row of trees

Primary producers are a vital and valued part of our community, and we recognise the significant challenges that drought places on local farms, businesses and families. Prolonged dry conditions can have serious impacts on financial stability, wellbeing and day-to-day operations.

In response, Council has compiled a range of support services, resources and assistance measures to help our community navigate these difficult conditions and access the help they need.

Drought Hardship Loan

On 31 March 2026, the Commonwealth Government announced a new Drought Hardship Loan available through RIC that is open to farm businesses affected by drought for at least 24 months and expect further impacts over the coming season. Visit Drought Hardship Loan for more information.

Fuel and Fertiliser Supply

Agriculture Victoria has a new webpage dedicated to Fuel and Fertiliser Supply. The page has a range of practical guidance to help farmers. For more information visit Fuel and Fertiliser Supply.

The Victorian Government has a page dedicated to fuel supply including the Nation Fuel Security Plan. Visit Fuel Supply.

Household Financial Relief Program

The Victorian Government has established the $2 million Household Financial Relief Program to provide immediate assistance to farming families and those working on farms affected by drought conditions.

Under the Program, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Victoria will provide payments of up to $1000 to eligible farming families to assist with household expenses such as residential rates, food, school expenses, rent, household and medical bills.

The Program is available to eligible recipients in the Pyrenees as well as the following local government areas: Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, Greater Geelong and southern postcodes in West Wimmera (3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319).The Program is open for applications until 30 June 2026 or until funds are expended, whichever comes first. Applications will be processed in order of receipt.

For more information, or to apply, visit CWA Victoria.

Primary Producer Support Payments

Pyrenees Shire Council has welcomed an announcement by the Victorian Government for additional drought relief measures for southwest Victoria.

A major feature of the new package is the Primary Producer Support Payments that will give eligible Pyrenees Shire farmers the equivalent of a 40 per cent rate reduction.

Another boost for the region is the commitment of $15 million towards the extension of the East Grampians Rural Pipeline to provide water security including for farmers in the southwest part of Pyrenees Shire. The extension is dependent on further funding from the Australian Government and will require a $15.6 million investment from Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.

Council also welcomes the commitment to expand and upgrade Emergency Supply Points for stock and domestic water supply, as well as household payments of up to $1000 for struggling families in the eligible municipalities.

A further $3.5 million will support a new Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy to investigate alternative water supplies, such as recycled and storm water, to boost waterway health and improve flow during dry conditions.

Read here for a full list of measures.

Victorian Government Drought Package

The Victorian Government announced an extension to its Drought Package to include an extra $37.7 million in funding on top of the $13.5 million allocated in September 2024.

Payments of up to $10,000 are available in this region to support on-farm drought management improvements.

Financial counselling and mental health support is also available, along with Agriculture Victoria's farm technical and decision-making support.

The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) variable rate paid by primary producers statewide will also be capped at 28.7 - the 2024-25 level of the former Fire Property Services Levy - for 12 months.

This reduced rate will apply to farmers' rates notices automatically.

A rebate for some volunteers will also apply. See here for more details.

The ESVF, which is aimed at supporting more of the state's emergency services, has received Royal Assent and will be introduced on 1 July 2025. View in the Victorian Government Gazette (PDF, 399KB).

The ESVF will be collected by Councils on behalf of the Victorian Government.

Below are some available supports for the Pyrenees Shire drought-affected communities.

Financial Support

The Victorian Government has recently announced On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants will be increased to $10,000 across 11 council areas, including Pyrenees Shire. The program will also be expanded to cover water carting activities and pasture re-establishment across Victoria.

To apply for a grant and more information, go to On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) offers free and independent financial information, options, decision-making support and referral services to primary producers and small, related rural businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.

Contact: 1800 260 425

RIC Farm Loans can help with low-interest loans during difficult farming conditions.

Farm Household Allowance - DAFF provides assistance to commercial-scale farmers and their partners who are experiencing financial hardship for any reason.

Taxation measures - Australian Taxation Office - DAFF provide tips on how to manage your tax burden.

General ESVF information and calculator.

ESVF Rebates

For further information on ESVF pensioner, concession, volunteer and primary producer rebates, email esvf@dtf.vic.gov.au or go to sro.vic.gov.au/emergency-services-and-volunteers-fund

For specific volunteers rebate details, go here.

Mental health and wellbeing support

Rural Aid aims to safeguard farming and rural communities before, during and after natural disasters.

The National Centre for Farmer Health is dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing, and safety of farmers, farm workers, farming families and agriculture-dependent communities across Australia.

On-Farm Technical Support

Agriculture Victoria’s Technical and Decision-Making Support Program is available to farm businesses right across the state. These services will be delivered in partnership with a range of technical specialists to support farmers to manage the impacts of increasingly difficult conditions.

Contact: Agriculture Victoria 136 186 or email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov

Other supports

Victorian farmers, transporters or importers sourcing fodder from interstate need a Plant Biosecurity Permit (PBP) to manage risks like Annual Ryegrass Toxicity, Green Snails and Red Imported Fire Ant. Agriculture Victoria is offering a free service to fast-track permit applications and help navigate biosecurity requirements. To find out more, email market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au

The Victorian Drought Freight Network will help drought affected farmers to move critical grain and fodder in the southwest. Developed with the Department of Transport and Planning, Victorian Farmers Federation and the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Victoria, it will expand road networks for fodder transport in southwest Victoria. Find out more at Agriculture Victoria.

The Farm Business Resilience Program provides subsidised learning and development opportunities.

For long-range climate reports, log on to the Climate View Tool.