Hindmarsh Shire Council is advocating for our community to be added to the list of Council’s Drought Declared. Hindmarsh Shire has recorded significant rainfall deficiency over the past 12 months and soil moisture levels are rapidly declining.
There are currently 24 Local Government areas eligible for dry seasons and drought support, and Hindmarsh Shire Council is not one of those included on this list. You can view the list of eligible Local Government area’s on the Agriculture Victoria website at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/dry-seasons-and-drought-support.
From the period 18 May 2024 until 18 May 2025, soil moisture levels have declined 19.3 per cent (8 sites) in the Hindmarsh Shire, 18.2 per cent (4 sites) in Horsham RCC, and only 13.4 per cent (4 sites) in West Wimmera. Suffice to say that soil moisture decline is highest in the Hindmarsh Shire, particularly compared with the West Wimmera Shire. This data is generated by farmers from their paddocks, so it represents the real-life stress that farmers in our Shire are facing.
Council has written to Jacinta Ermacora MP (State Member for Western Victoria Region), Emma Kealy MP (Shadow Minister for Agriculture) and has been having discussions with Agriculture Victoria. We will continue to advocate for what is best for our community and farmers.
This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 4 June 2025.
