Drought Roundtable provides a voice to farmers

Published on 05 November 2025

Central Goldfields Shire Council hosted a roundtable with local farmers and government officials on Thursday (30 October) to discuss issues associated with ongoing dry conditions across the region.

Mayor Cr Grace La Vella wrote to Agriculture Minister, Ros Spence, in August, seeking additional government support to match what’s available in Pyrenees Shire.

These measures include a rate reduction of up to 40 per cent and household assistance grants of $1,000.

Rural Assistance Commissioner, Peter Tuohey, and officials from Agriculture Victoria and North Central CMA attended the roundtable, along with more than 15 local farmers and rural business owners.

Central Goldfields Shire CEO, Peter Harriott, said it was a constructive discussion.

“We received a report from Natte Yallock Landcare, showing drought impacts don’t stop at the Council border,” he said.

“We conveyed this information to the Rural Assistance Commissioner and to government officials.”

Mr Harriott said farmers in Central Goldfields have experienced rainfall deficiencies up to 30-40 per cent over the past year.

“There was strong support from the group for extending the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline to Central Goldfields,” he said.

“This would improve water security and climate resilience, lower costs and lift investment confidence.”

Another issue raised was access to $5000 drought infrastructure grants ($10,000 in Pyrenees). State officials commented on the low take-up in Central Goldfields, while farmers expressed hesitancy in making applications for that amount, given the effort involved.

It was explained that rural finance counsellors can assist with the applications.

Mr Harriott said Central Goldfields Shire will continue to advocate for the same drought assistance that’s provided in Pyrenees Shire.

“We’ll also advocate to extend the Wimmera-Mallee pipeline,” he said.

“Although this is a long-term project, it offers water security in the face of climate change and builds drought resilience.

“Thank you to everyone who attended the Drought Roundtable. It was a fruitful discussion, which will assist our future advocacy.”