The Andrews Labor Government is supporting a Victorian Farmer’s Federation (VFF) led initiative to improve animal health and livestock practices across peri-urban areas of Victoria.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford today announced $388,875 over three years for the VFF Livestock Health & Biosecurity Victoria (LHBV) Extension program.
The LHBV program provides practical information and support for animal health and biosecurity practices in peri-urban areas.
It aims to improve Victoria’s biosecurity status, livestock traceability and reduce the risk of an emergency animal disease outbreak by increasing the participation of peri-urban livestock producers and their understanding of regulatory obligations.
The funding will enable the VFF to hire four peri-urban livestock project officers over three years to work in peri-urban regions surrounding Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and other regional centres.
Victoria’s peri-urban regions are forecast to grow by an average of 45.3% by 2031 and the Labor Government is strengthening and supporting producers as populations grow.
The LHBV program is one of six biosecurity projects to share in more than $1.1 million under the Sheep and Goat Compensation Fund (SGCF), which collects livestock duties paid by producers on the sale of sheep and goats or their carcases in Victoria.
Projects funded through the SGCF were following input from the Sheep and Goat Compensation Advisory Committee, which advises the Government on the allocation of funding to programs and projects that benefit their respective livestock industries.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“We know the value of investing in biosecurity and protecting our world-renowned clean, green image.”
“I thank the Advisory Committee for their advice to help guide our support for livestock industries across Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Farmers Federation Livestock Group President Leonard Vallance
“Further dedicated resources within LHBV working closely with peri-urban producers, is crucial to protect Victoria’s $6.2 billion meat, milk and fibre industries and reduce the risk of an emergency disease outbreak that would damage the Victorian economy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020