Photo: ABC

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes was in Giffard today to announce an additional $13 million to help ease the financial burden of the unprecedented conditions.

The relief package is in addition to the $29.69 million announced late last year for farmers and communities in Central and East Gippsland and in Northern and North West Victoria.

The Labor Government will provide $5.6 million for Drought Hardship Support Payments of up to $3,500 for young farmers and farmers receiving the Farm Household Allowance experiencing drought in Central and East Gippsland.

All other farmers in in Central and East Gippsland will be eligible for payments of $2,500.

Northern and North West Victoria are also experiencing ongoing dry seasonal conditions following significantly below average rainfall throughout 2018, with dairy farmers particularly impacted by high temporary water and feed prices.

The Labor Government will provide payments of up to $2,500 available to young dairy farmers or dairy farmers who receive the Farm Household Allowance now available in Northern Victoria.

An additional $1 million will be provided for a Drought Hardship Fund, which will provide additional payments to farmers who are struggling but don’t qualify for a Drought Hardship Support Payment

The Labor Government will also provide $5 million to extend the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program.

This program has already provided almost 2,500 farmers across Gippsland and Northern Victoria with grants of up to $5000 for on-farm infrastructure to improve drought preparedness and management.

To help save farmers time and stress, an additional $1 million will be provided across the state to improve water supply access for stock and domestic water users, making it easier for farmers who are currently water carting.