Farmers in Victoria and Tasmania are urgently calling for assistance as severe drought conditions leave their land desolate and water sources depleted. Many regions have experienced record low rainfall, with parts of southern Australia recording their driest start to the year on record. According to Weatherzone, rainfall levels in some areas have plummeted to zero per cent of the long-term average from 1961 to 1990, with others scarcely reaching 20 per cent.
The Bureau of Meteorology indicates that January to April 2025 marked a historically dry period, and projections suggest below-average rainfall could persist in Victoria’s alpine areas until August. Farmers, particularly in dairy regions, are feeling immense pressure as feed supplies dwindle and financial strains mount. Bernie Free, president of the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), warns that the ongoing conditions could have lasting harmful effects on farming communities unless the state government increases drought support measures.
VFF livestock group president Scott Young emphasises the need for both short-term relief and long-term strategies to prepare farmers for future droughts. Farms are at risk of long-term damage absent substantive state intervention and support. The VFF demands the state budget to reflect the urgent needs of farmers, underscoring that immediate action is essential to prevent devastating impacts on regional communities and the state’s food supply chain.
In a more supportive move, the South Australian government recently allocated $55 million in additional drought aid on top of previous funding, reinforcing the need for similar assistance in Victoria. As drought continues to tighten its grip, farmers are appealing for practical solutions that ensure their survival and the viability of rural economies.