West Vic farmers get $37.7M boost as state pauses emergency services levy for 12 months

West Vic farmers have been granted a further $37.7 million in funding as the Victorian Government puts a 12-month pause on the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties.

The state government announced the news on Friday. Current grants programs that deliver funding to farmers will also be increased from $5000 to $10,000 for on-farm drought management improvements. 

This increase will be delivered to farmers across 11 local government areas in southwest Victoria.

“This funding is about ensuring that no drought-impacted community is left behind, providing immediate relief to farming families across our state,” Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said.

In May, the state government’s Drought Support Package announced farmers in 24 drought-impacted local government areas would pay a “reduced ESVF contribution” – capped to the same amount they paid in 2024-25.

Now, the government says it will extend this reduced rate to all primary production properties – to ensure all farmers can “focus fully on their drought response and recovery”. 

What is a primary production property?

A primary production property is defined as land used primarily for commercial agricultural or horticultural purposes, such as maintaining livestock or growing crops. Historically, an exemption from some taxes has been available in some cases for owners of this type of property.

12 months of relief

The decision to pause the controversial levy for 12 months means the ESVF variable rate on primary production properties will remain at 28.7 percent – the same as it was in 2024-25 – for the duration of the 2025-26 financial year.

This reduced rate will be applied automatically.

The state government has also introduced a dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce, composed of state ministers, local councillors, organisation leaders and experts from across the state, including Corangamite Shire Council mayor Kate Makin, who also acts as the Rural Councils Victoria deputy chair.

Makin told the West Vic Brolga being a part of the new Taskforce was an opportunity to give a voice to farmers “facing incredibly tough conditions”.

“My goal is to help deliver practical, community-focused solutions that make a real difference,” said Makin. 

“As someone who lives and works in this region, I understand the pressures our farmers face, because I hear from them directly and often. I’ll be taking their stories, concerns, and ideas straight to the Taskforce table.

“My commitment is to represent Corangamite’s farming community with honesty, urgency, and a deep respect for the vital role they play in our region’s future.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said on Friday the new Taskforce would gather the knowledge of a diverse group of stakeholders. 

“The new Taskforce will bring together Victorians from different communities, different backgrounds and different political parties. Most importantly, it’ll be focused on delivering real relief for farming communities,” she said in a statement.

The Taskforce’s first meeting will be held this week, with a further package of support to be delivered as soon as possible.

Images: Corangamite Shire Council Mayor Kate Makin and Warrnambool CFA.