BENAMBRA MP Bill Tilley says drought affected farmers are desperate for meaningful help, not a scheme to share the cost of hay sheds and poly pipes. In the Victorian Parliament last week, Mr Tilley called for Indigo Shire to be added to the local government areas that can access the state government’s drought package. Three weeks ago, he successfully lobbied for Towong to be placed on the list. Mr Tilley said as the state government package stands now, it's a co-contribution for hay sheds or poly pipe up to $5000. "What our farmers need is financial assistance to buy and transport feed and fodder, in some instances they need water," he said. "Farmers across the district are struggling; farmers are paying exorbitant transport costs, in one instance $5500, to bring in fodder from interstate. "Some in the Rutherglen area are unable to differentiate between their cropping and grazing paddocks as their properties have become dustbowls." Mr Tilley said farmers face the prospect of feeding out for the entire winter and rain in the past week will do little for crops or livestock with the onset of colder weather.
