Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Friday, 4 July, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Friday 4th of July, 2025,
Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) has welcomed the extra $75 million for the Victorian Government’s drought package to assist the state’s vital agricultural industry, which includes primary producer support payments for council rate relief.
Chair Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton City Council, said RCV had consistently advocated for direct relief to farmers during Drought Taskforce Response discussions.
“The state is relying on Victoria’s regions for food and fibre products to boost the state’s economy, that’s why direct relief to farmers continues to be our priority,” Cr Sali said.
Primary producers in shires of Ararat, City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway, Corangamite Glenelg, Golden Plains, Moyne, Pyrenees, Surf Coast, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool and southern parts of West Wimmera will receive a rebate of about 40 per cent as part of an overall $144 million response package.
Cr Sali said there should be further consideration for expansion to the south and west areas of Horsham Rural City Council also.
Cr Sali said despite the pause on the rollout of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy for those who are drought-affected, there was still significant angst across rural and regional Victoria about its eventual impact.
RCV has also written to the Federal Agriculture Minister and the Federal Water Minister urging the Albanese Government to expand supports for drought relief in Victoria and to request an immediate and indefinite pause on the Commonwealth’s water buyback scheme while Victoria is in drought.
“Water already taken out of our regions has had a noticeable effect on farms and regional towns, however buybacks in dry years like this exacerbate existing water shortages further,” Cr Sali said.
RCV is the trusted voice to government for the regions, their cities and the rural communities they support.
“We are committed to working with governments, on behalf of regional and rural Victorians, to ensure our regional cities see the right investment to support our growth,” Cr Sali said.
Media inquiries to Emily Broadbent at RCV on 0400 390 008
More News from Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 22nd of October,
Have your say and help shape Council’s 2026/2027 Budget
Work is already underway on Greater Shepparton City Council’s 2026/2027 Budget, and the community are encouraged to share their feedback to help shape the upcoming document. Read more
Wednesday 22nd of October,
AFS Shepparton Cup is back and set to draw thousands to Greater Shepparton
Shepparton Sports City and Mooroopna Recreation Reserve will again play host to the Australian Football Skool (AFS) Shepparton Cup this weekend, from Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October 2025. Read more
Thursday 16th of October,
Community invited to participate in Aussie Bird Count
Greater Shepparton City Council and RiverConnect are encouraging community members to participate in Australia’s largest annual citizen science event – Aussie Bird Count. Read more
Tuesday 14th of October,
Council awards contract for construction of new Cosgrove Landfill Cell
Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded the construction contract for the next landfill cell at Cosgrove Three, securing future waste disposal capacity and supporting sustainable waste management across the region. Read more
Monday 13th of October,
Greater Shepparton secures back-to-back Australian Junior Motocross Championships
Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club, is proud to announce it has been selected to host the Australian Junior Motocross Championships in both 2026 and 2027. Read more
Thursday 9th of October,
Council urges community to have their say on VicGrid’s Renewable Energy Zone proposal
The Victorian Government, through VicGrid, has released its Victorian Transmission Plan, identifying several Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state, in areas it considers most suitable for future solar and wind farm development. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Tuesday 4th of November,
Melbourne Cup Day 2025
Spend Cup Day on top of the Hill, with live music, local food and drinks, great company and a-whole lotta fun! Fashions on the Hill, live racing on the big screen, live music & DJ, floral headpiece workshops,… Read more
Sunday 2nd of November,
Women Only Swimming
Aquamoves Women Only Swimming Sessions are all about empowering women to get active and overcome feelings of judgment. View on Aquamoves
Wednesday 5th of November,
Puff Walk
Puff Walks are more than just steps – they’re connections. Read more
Tuesday 28th of October,
Size Inclusive Approach Forum
Join us at Victoria Park Lake for a free forum with keynote speakers and a panel of experts exploring the size-inclusive approach. Read more
Friday 31st of October,
Puff Walk
A new day, a new walk! Read more
Saturday 1st of November, – to Sunday 30th of November,
Movember: Join the Aquamoves team!
This Movember, let’s step up for the dads, brothers, sons, and mates we care about. Men’s health is a crucial issue, covering mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer. View on Aquamoves
See All Events