High Country Times
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
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mansfieldcourier.com.au
MMUDS wins theatre awards Page 4
CGP recognised for excellence Page 5
SHARED STORIES STUDENTS, teachers and families from Mansfield Steiner School gathered last week for a Reconciliation Action Week assembly. At its heart was a river of colour, nature and story - honouring First Nations culture and encouraging reflection on truth-telling, unity, and care for Country. PHOTO: Nicky Sanders
Herridge marks 300 games Sport
Parliament to paddock Mansfield Shire included in drought relief and ESVF cap after weeks of pressure and protest DROUGHT relief measures have been extended across the state, with Mansfield Shire and the North East previously excluded from assistance now included in the state government package. As part of the original package, the government had also announced the delayed roll-out of the recently legislated Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund contribution to 24 droughtimpacted local government areas (LGAs), capping payments at the current rate. Mansfield Shire and other LGAs in the North East however were
BY EMMA OLIVER
eoliver@ nemedia.com.au
not included on this list. This has now changed with all primary production properties now eligible for the reduced rate, with the reduction applied automatically to rates notices. The ESVF rate will now remain the same as the 2024-2025 financial year for the duration of 2025-2026. “By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production
properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery,” said Treasurer and Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes. Local farmers will also now be able to access grants of up to $5000 to support on-farm drought management improvements, in addition to financial counselling, mental health support and access to Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical and decision-making support. In the south-west of the state, payments will increase to $10,000
and the program will expand to also cover water carting activities and pasture re-establishment. A dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce has also been named, so that as conditions worsen support will be informed and timely. The announcement of the expanded package follows a week of intense pressure on the government in parliament, where the Liberal Party moved a motion calling for increased drought assistance that passed unanimously. Numerous members raised
concerns about the level of drought assistance with Wendy Lovell, Member for Northern Victoria calling on the state government to include all municipalities in the North East region who were also grappling with deteriorating conditions. Despite assistance now being available statewide, Ms Lovell has condemned the new package as “too little, too late” with the lack of direct financial assistance for feed or fodder delivery, or subsidised water supply for agricultural purposes of significant concern. ■ Continued page 2