OVENS Valley state MP Tim McCurdy has blasted the Victorian Government’s latest drought support package, saying it fails on two fronts: it doesn’t allow funding for feed or water, and it excludes some of the hardest-hit regions altogether.
The Nationals' MP said with hay now costing up to $400 per tonne and rural families forced to cart water, the government's $15.9 million package was “too little, too late, and for too few".
“This is a drought package that doesn’t let you buy feed or water, the two things farmers need most," he said.
"And worse still, farmers in Alpine Shire, Moira Shire, and the Rural City of Wangaratta aren’t even eligible to apply.
“How can the government look North East Victoria in the eye and say help is on the way when we’re not even on its map?”
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Mr McCurdy said while neighbouring Towong Shire received support, other badly affected farming regions were left completely out.
“This isn’t about politics, it’s about survival," he said.
"Our farmers need feed, they need water, and they need to be included...this package delivers none of that.”
