DFV acknowledges the inherent value of certain components within the government’s drought package, such as rates rebates and infrastructure grants. However, the organization emphatically stresses that these measures, while beneficial in the long term, do not adequately tackle the urgent cash flow crises currently faced by many dairy farm businesses. The escalating operational costs, driven by soaring prices for feed, water, and energy, are severely limiting farmers’ ability to retain essential staff, service existing loans, and simply maintain their vital milk production levels.

In response to these pressing concerns, Dairy Farmers Victoria is issuing a strong call to the Victorian Government to urgently reconsider its current support structure. DFV is advocating for the immediate introduction of direct financial assistance measures, including rapid relief payments or targeted hardship grants. Such measures, they argue, are essential for providing quick and flexible aid to drought-affected farmers, enabling them to navigate the immediate financial crunch and prevent further economic strain.

DFV further contends that direct financial assistance would not only provide crucial relief to individual dairy farmers but also deliver a significant boost to local economies in rural towns. By injecting immediate cash into farming communities, these payments would stimulate local spending, helping to preserve the economic stability of vital food-producing regions. This dual benefit underscores the broader economic impact of a healthy and supported dairy sector within regional Australia.