Drought package fails farmers: No feed, no water, no support for North East

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has blasted the Allan Labor Government’s latest drought support package, saying it fails on two fronts: it doesn’t allow funding for feed or water, and it excludes some of the hardest-hit regions altogether.

With hay now costing up to $400 per tonne and rural families forced to cart water, Mr McCurdy said the $15.9 million package was “too little, too late, and for too few.”

“This is a drought package that doesn’t let you buy feed or water, the two things farmers need most. And worse still, farmers in Alpine Shire, Moira Shire, and the Rural City of Wangaratta aren’t even eligible to apply,” Mr McCurdy said.

“How can the government look North East Victoria in the eye and say help is on the way when we’re not even on its map?”

While neighbouring Towong Shire received support, other badly affected farming regions were left completely out.

“It shows just how out of touch the Allan Government is with what’s really happening beyond the city.

“This isn’t about politics, it’s about survival. Our farmers need feed, they need water, and they need to be included. This package delivers none of that.”