Premier

Help For Murray Darling Farmers To Plan For The Future

27 September 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is helping farmers in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) adapt their businesses to a rapidly changing environment with additional funding for the Plan2Farm program.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green renewed the Labor Government’s support for the project and announced an $800,000 grant from the Murray Darling Economic Diversification Fund in partnership with the Federal Government.

The $800,000 State and Federal co-funding announced yesterday builds on the Government’s investment of $1.6 million announced by the Minster for Water Lisa Neville in December last year.

Farming businesses in the GMID face a complex operating environment. The Plan2Farm project helps farmers to make informed decisions about their farming futures. The project includes:

  • Irrigators meeting with irrigation planning specialists to help strategic planning
  • Facilitated group sessions so irrigators can meet to discuss issues and plans
  • Work books tailored to individual farms which will help landholders understand the best way forward and make the right decisions for their business.

Plan2Farm is a program that considers all areas of a farming business to design a clear pathway for the future. It provides economic benefits through water savings and increased productivity.

The program is delivered by an alliance between North Central, Goulburn Broken and North East Catchment Management Authorities, Agriculture Victoria, Murray Dairy, and Goulburn Murray Water.

The Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program Victoria is designed to strengthen and diversify the local economies of Victorian communities impacted by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. The $15 million fund comprises $10 million from the Federal Government and $5 million from the Victorian Government.

Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green

“The farming landscape has seen significant change over the past decade with the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and Plan2Farm is a valuable initiative to help farmers navigate the current environment.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“The project will help irrigators and farmers make informed decisions about their businesses and contribute towards an even more resilient and productive agricultural community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp

“The Plan2Farm project will help up to 600 farmers from across the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District adapt their enterprises to a rapidly changing environment – and that’s good news for all in our region.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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