Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

Victoria Pauses Farmers’ Emergency Services Levy Hike, Unveils Drought Relief Package

The government paused the levy hike to ease financial pressure on drought-hit farmers.

Image
A huge crowd of people holding a protest in a city CBD beneath a clear sky.
Image

Overview

  • The levy for all primary producers is capped at 28.7¢ per $1,000 of property value instead of rising to 71.8¢ from July 1.
  • Residential property owners will see their levy rate increase as planned from 8.7¢ to 17.3¢ per $1,000.
  • An extra $37.7 million has been allocated for drought support, covering management upgrades, financial counselling and mental health services.
  • Farmers in drought-impacted areas can claim up to $5,000 for management upgrades, with grants doubled to $10,000 across 11 severely affected council regions.
  • A new drought response taskforce led by Treasurer Jaclyn Symes alongside ministers and Nationals MP Peter Walsh will design further relief measures.