The funding is specifically allocated to fortify farm infrastructure and manage drought impacts. Eligible activities include essential measures such as water carting, pasture re-establishment, and crucial upgrades to water infrastructure like pipes, tanks, troughs, and dams. Furthermore, the grant covers the costs associated with establishing stock containment areas and enhancing grain and fodder storage infrastructure, providing robust financial relief for capital improvements critical to sustaining dairy herd welfare and productivity through prolonged dry periods.

Beyond the financial grants, Agriculture Victoria and supporting bodies are concerned by the poor utilization of complimentary free technical support. Farmers can book a three-hour, one-on-one consultation—available in-person or online—with qualified professionals, including farm business advisers, livestock nutritionists, and soil specialists. This tailored expertise is particularly valuable as dairy farmers integrate new cows into the milking herd during spring, offering opportunities to assess cow productivity and potentially aid families in accessing Farm Household Allowance.

Leading organizations, including GippsDairy and representatives from Agriculture Victoria, have been proactively encouraging dairy farmers to apply, notably at the recent South Gippsland Dairy Expo. GippsDairy Executive Officer Karen McLennan confirmed that the funding remains available until June 2026, underscoring the urgency for the dairy community to file applications and secure reimbursement for measures already undertaken. The appeal is clear: every eligible Gippsland dairy farmer should access this critical financial support.