Ralph Cotter has been appointed to the role by Acting Minister for Agriculture Steve Dimopoulos. Mr Cotter has strong connections with industry and government and local service providers, and has had a long involvement with agriculture sector.
He will meet regularly with industry and local governments to understand the challenges specific to the region and coordinate tailored support and advice to impacted communities.
Since the government announced the $13.53 million Drought Support Package last September, 969 on-farm drought infrastructure grants of up to $5000 have been approved and paid to south-west Victorian farmers.
These grants are enabling farmers to complete infrastructure improvements that respond to the current drought and build their resilience for future droughts.
Farmer wellbeing remains a critical focus, with a $1.43 million investment in farmer wellbeing and technical advice to acknowledge the emotional toll on farmers as they respond to the drought and the recent bushfires.
As part of the Drought Support Package, $80,000 was provided to boost the capacity of the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West along with a further investment of $160,000 to support a full-time wellbeing counsellor working in the region.
Drought technical decision-making support continues to be delivered by Agriculture Victoria and partners, with a range of events and information available, including one-on-one consultations and group workshops.
To view the full range of support available to drought-impacted farmers, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.
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