PREMIER Daniel Andrews will visit drought affected areas of western Victoria over the next two days to talk with farmers and communities and support them as they confront these tough conditions.
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Joined by Minister for Water Lisa Neville and Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford, Mr Andrews will take the opportunity to talk to locals about current issues affecting their communities such as the lack of rain, drought preparedness, risk management and farmer health.
“As someone who was raised in regional Victoria, I know how much rural communities are at the mercy of the weather,” Mr Andrews said.
“Bone dry conditions means many of our farmers and regional Victorians are doing it tough. I want to see and hear firsthand from those affected, and support them to get them through these tough times.”
Mr Andrews will begin his two day visit in Donald with a briefing by the local water authority and farmers, before heading to the Donald Cup.
He will then visit a nearby farm to inspect drought affected crops and attend a community barbecue in Birchip for farmers and community members hosted by the Victorian Farmers Federation.
On Monday, he will attend a breakfast round-table hosted by the Birchip Cropping Group and local council representatives, before visiting a local farm in Birchip.
Mr Andrews, Ms Neville and Ms Pulford will then head to Charlton for a briefing by GWM Water on works being undertaken to enhance the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline.
This will be followed by a round-table in Wedderburn that will include the VFF, drought impacted councils from across the region, Landcare, the CFA and local water boards.