Drought funding 2025

Eligible primary production businesses can apply for grants up to $5000 (ex-GST) to invest in on-farm infrastructure and activities that improve drought resilience. Eligible items include water infrastructure (pipes, tanks, troughs, dams), stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage, as well as newer inclusions like water carting, pasture re-establishment, feeding system upgrades and drought decision-support tools.

An additional $5,000 top-up (totaling $10,000 ex-GST) is available for farms located within specified LGAs in south-west Victoria, including parts of West Wimmera (postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318, 3319), to help regions hardest hit by drought. 

Applications require a dollar-for-dollar cash co-contribution and are managed by Rural Finance on behalf of the Victorian Government. The program will close when funds are allocated or on 30 June 2026, whichever comes first.

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The Look Over the Farm Gate program supports community wellbeing during tough seasonal conditions. Grants of $1,500 to $5,000 are available for community organisations to run local events and initiatives that bring people together and strengthen mental health.

The program is delivered by the National Centre for Farmer Health and funded through the Victorian Government’s 2025 Drought Support Package.

Applications are open until funds are allocated, or 20 April 2026, with all events to be completed by 30 April 2026.

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The Victorian Government has allocated $1.8 million to support drought-affected farmers in managing eastern and western grey kangaroos under an Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW).

Farmers can claim rebates of up to $450 (ex-GST) per farm, up to three claims, to engage accredited professional harvesters. Farmers contribute at least 25% of costs.

Funding is available until 30 June 2026 or until program funds are fully allocated.

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Get one-on-one farm advisory consultations with experts like agronomists, nutritionists and farm business advisors, helping you develop a drought action plan tailored to your property’s needs. Workshops and group learning sessions are also available

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The Victorian Government has provided $2 million for immediate drought relief for farming families. Delivered by the CWA of Victoria, payments of up to $1,000 are available to help cover household expenses like food, school costs, rates, rent, and medical bills. Eligible families in specified LGAs, including West Wimmera (postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318, 3319), can apply via the CWA of Victoria website.

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Primary Producer Support Payments will provide cashflow relief to primary producers in 11 south west local government areas and parts of West Wimmera shire that have experienced the effects of drought the longest.

Eligible councils will receive a lump sum payment to support primary producers equivalent to a 40% farm property rate reduction in 2025–26.

Councils are responsible for distributing these payments.

Extra funding is available to support small businesses in south west Victoria also impacted by drought. A Small Business Financial Counsellor (SBFC) is now working with the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West.

The SBFC can help small business operators:

• understand their financial situation
• explore options
• negotiate with lenders and insurers.

They can also provide guidance in applying for government support and connection with other professionals.

More information

Eligible CFA and Victorian SES volunteers and life members will be entitled to a rebate on the ESVF on their principal place of residence or farm, which will be administered by the State Government through the Department of Government Services.

Eligible volunteers include all active SES and CFA operational and support volunteers. To be eligible for the rebate, volunteers will need to have served for at least 12 months, have passed probation, and not be suspended on disciplinary grounds or have taken a leave of absence for the entire duration of the preceding 12 months.

Information will be provided to volunteers about the rebate and how to access it ahead of the commencement of the ESVF on July 1, 2025 via the CFA Member Portal. 

More information is available via the Department Treasury and Finance website. You can also read about these updates here - Emergency-Services-and-Volunteers-Fund-QAs.pdf(PDF, 330KB)(PDF, 243KB)