Articles tagged: Drought

Drought ‘hangover’ lingering in south-west
South-west Victorian farmers have shared a mixed outlook for the approaching season, following a new report by Dairy Australia.

Government expands its drought help
An extension to the State Government’s Drought Support Package aims to continue connecting farmers to essential services to overcome drought conditions.

Fees waived under new support
The State Government will roll out a new relief package for drought-affected farmers, including across Colac and district.

Rain needed to boost hay yields
Colac and district farmers are banking on more spring rain to ensure a productive hay harvest season, following a late start to grass growth.

Call to back volunteer efforts
A district MP has called on the State Government to provide support for volunteer-run drought relief organisations, including Need for Feed and Aussie Hay Runners.

Hope for crop yields while drought lingers
Cressy district farmers are hopeful that this year’s canola yields will be more promising, ahead of a critical spring season.

Rate relief package ‘good first step’
A Colac Otway Shire councillor says the State Government’s rate relief package for district drought-stricken farmers is a good first step but there’s plenty more that can be done, and the council will “keep the pressure on”.

Farmers need zero-interest loans
The federal Opposition is calling on the government to “step up to the plate” and reinstate interest-free loans to support drought-stricken farmers in Western Victoria.

Coastal region benefits from another drenching
The Colac district has received another helping of rain and there’s more rain on its way this weekend.

Drought advisor ready to help
Colac and district drought-affected farmers will be able to access centralised resources, the Victorian Farmers Federation has announced.

Shire’s resilience praised
The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me.

Rain continues to fall for south-west Victoria
The month of July has kicked off with another deluge of rain.

Farmers eye future after rain
Recent rain has given hope to farmers, while there has been an increase in cattle prices at this month’s sale.

Budget’s drought response
A drought response package, program of new initiatives and community grants feature in the Corangamite Shire Council’s 2025-26 budget.

Letter seeks disaster declaration
Colac Otway Shire’s mayor Jason Schram will write to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for Victoria to be declared a natural disaster area due to the ongoing drought.

Record capital works
Measures providing temporary financial relief for drought-impacted farmers are a feature of Surf Coast Shire Council’s new budget.

Fundraisers seeking input from farmers
Colac and district farmers are encouraged to get in touch with local fundraisers aiming to provide long-reaching support.

Colac site will provide free water for farms, facilities
A new program will provide free or low-cost water for farmers impacted by drought conditions, with a site based in Colac.

Direction for drought funds
Organisers behind local fundraisers for farmers want to hear how support can best be delivered.

Rain increases June totals
Another downpour of rain in the south-west has brought monthly rainfall totals higher than they’ve been in 18 months in some places.

Donations closing for pamper bags
Today is the last day to donate pamper bags through a local initiative to women across south-west Victoria who are battling drought conditions.

Ready to back district farmers
Organisers are encouraging community members to show their full support for drought-affected farmers across the Colac district this weekend.

Drought relief concert launches new website
People can find details about Colac’s drought relief concert on Sunday through a new website.

Monthly rainfall boost continues
The Colac district has enjoyed another day of rain, but still less than the downpour experienced earlier this month.

