West Wimmera Shire Council has called on the State Government to expand the drought declaration area to cover the entire shire.
Council agreed at a meeting on Wednesday to provide support to eligible primary producers through the State Government’s Primary Producer Support Payment Program.
The program helps farmers affected by drought to meet their general rates and municipal charges. Rural properties with the postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318, and 3319 are eligible for the payment.
Council also resolved to lobby the state government to expand the drought declaration area to cover the entire shire.
Mayor Tim Meyer said the drought has had a severe impact across the entire shire, with last year’s low rainfall and reduced crop and hay yields highlighting the ongoing challenges for farmers.
“Many of our farmers are really struggling,” he said. “While we are grateful that the State Government has recognised the situation and provided this support, it doesn’t fully reflect the reality on the ground.”
“You only have to look at the grain bunkers that are only half as full as previous years. There is hardly a hay shed with a bale of hay left in it.”
“People are really battling and this support payment, while beneficial, doesn’t go far enough.”
Cr Meyer said the current criteria for the support payment was concerning as it would split the shire into eligible and ineligible areas.
“This decision effectively divides our shire in half, and that doesn’t make sense,” he said.
“We have situations where one farmer will be eligible for support and their neighbour across the fence will not.”
“The drought does not stop at an arbitrary line on a map – the impact is being felt right across our community.”
The State Government announced $35.8 million in funding on 4 July 2025 for selected drought-affected councils in southwest Victoria.
West Wimmera Shire Council is expected to receive approximately $1.15 million to support eligible primary producers.
“This support is important, but we need to keep highlighting the challenges our farmers face,” Cr Meyer said.
This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 27 August 2025.
