As a key representative of drought affected communities, many councils have taken a lead role in providing assistance to their residents through the provision of counselling, carting of water, and community events.  Local government also promotes and supports a range of initiatives provided by other levels of government such as rate relief and support payments.

The MAV has established a Drought Taskforce to identify the major issues for regional and rural local government related to the drought and will communicate these issues to the Victorian Government. 

 

The MAV will also endeavor to provide drought-related information and announcements to the local government sector in a timely manner.

Beyondblue Resources
Beyondblue – the national depression initiative provides information about depression, anxiety and related substance abuse in a number of ways.  As part of drought response, beyondblue is providing information and resources about depression to any organisation in Australia that has a drought response event or service (forums, field days, information stands, financial counselling, Centrelink bus etc).  Information kits are available including wristbands and printed resources such as fact sheets and flipper cards.  These kits can be shipped free of charge to any venue in any quantity.  Please note that more detailed information will be sent to all drought affected municipalities.  If you are holding an event and would like to order beyondblue information kits contact Marion Wilde, Project Officer – Population Health, 9810 6100, marion.wilde@beyondblue.org.au.

The Victorian and Australian Government have announced a range of funding programs for drought affected areas (exceptional circumstances declared) including:

 

The Australian Government has announced a range of drought assistance measures including:

• Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidy
• Exceptional Circumstances Relief payment
• Interim Income Support
• Country Women's Association Emergency Drought Aid Fund
• Declared Drought Area Incentives
• Drought Force
• Social and emotional counselling for drought affected families under the Family Relationship Services Programme (FRSP)
• AAA FarmBis
• AAA Farm Help
• Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) Earlier access to funds for FMD holders in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas
• Access to Job Search Support for redundant rural workers in drought-affected areas
• Early access to Intensive Support (job search training) for rural workers in drought-affected areas
• "Just Ask" - a national rural mental health information service; and "Toolkit for getting through the Drought" – publication
• Flexible Arrangements for Newstart allowance and other benefits for people unemployed due to drought
• Regional Health Services Programme (RHSP)
• Rural Financial Counselling Service Programme.

For a full list of Australian Government measures related to drought see the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry website:
www.daff.gov.au

The Victorian Government has announced a number of drought assistance measures which include:

• Assistance package for rural water users
• Drought employment scheme
• Grants for local infrastructure works
• Drought apprenticeship retention bonus
• Funding for mental health and counselling services 
• Emergency bore and water supply network funding 
• Support for domestic and stock water tank

For a full list of Victorian Government drought initiatives see the Department of Primary Industries website:
www.dpi.vic.gov.au
 

 

Websites

 

Australian Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (AFFA): Australian Government Drought Assistance

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website explains all Australian drought assistance packages, as well as a number of fact sheets on current drought information.

www.affa.gov.au

 

Department of Primary Industries: Drought Information for Victoria

The Department of Primary Industries website contains a variety of information from the Victorian department and other agencies including resources to assist communities.

www.dpi.vic.gov.au

Beyond Blue

The national depression initiative provides information about depression, anxiety and related substance abuse in a number of ways.  As part of their drought response, beyondblue is providing information and resources about depression to any organization throughout Australia who has a drought response event or service (forums, field days, information stands, financial counselling, Centrelink bus etc).

www.beyondblue.org.au

 

Business Victoria website: Drought Assistance Programs

The Business Victoria website outlines a number of programs being delivered by Regional Development Victoria as part of the Victorian Government's $146 million drought assistance package for farmers, business and communities.

www.business.vic.gov.au

 

Department of Sustainability and Environment: Drought Information

The Department of Sustainability and Environment drought information website provides information on Drought Assistance Initiatives, Emergency Water Supply Points, Water Authority Contact Details, and a Monthly Water Report on the Status of Water Resources and Supplies.

www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/

 

Department of Human Services: Current Events – drought

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is assisting the Department of Primary Industries to support rural communities manage the current dry conditions.  The DHS website includes a series of regular reports to keep communities and agencies up-to-date on social support and activites across drought affected communities.

www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/em_events/drought.htm