Drought support

South Gippsland Water provides a range of services people can access to assist them in dry conditions. Our services include water standpipes which are available on application to individuals or water carters who wish to access water. Please read this article for further advice on how you may be able to access alternative water supplies.

Standpipes

Standpipes have long been an important resource for our region, providing access to water where it is otherwise scarce. South Gippsland Water operates key tag standpipes.

We operate these standpipes 24-hours a day, so people have access to water for carting purposes. The key tags allow us to accurately record and bill for water usage for each user.

Apply for key tag access

To access any of our standpipes, you will need to apply for a swipe tag. To apply for a key tag, email sgwater@sgwater.com.au.

Other standpipe locations

There are other standpipes you can access through our colleagues at other water corporations.
For more information on accessing water across Victoria click here.

Water carters

Alternative water sources

South Gippsland Water has other water sources available, but we need to assess whether individuals can access these on a case-by-case basis.

If you would like to discuss whether you may be able to access these, please email sgwater@sgwater.com.au .

Connection to our network

Some farmers may be able to connect to our network depending on their location. This has to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Please email sgwater@sgwater.com.au .

Victorian Government support

The Victorian Government is providing direct drought support of $69 million for farmers across Victoria impacted by drought conditions.

The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program

The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program offers eligible farmers from across the state access to grants of up to $5,000 (ex-GST) to support on-farm drought management and be better prepared for future droughts.
For eligible farmers in south-west Victoria, an additional $5,000 (ex-GST) top-up is available, taking the total grant on offer up to $10,000 (ex-GST).
Eligible activities under the grant program have been expanded to cover activities including water carting and pasture re-establishment in recognition of the broad pressures farmers are managing. Also, for testing (such as soil, water or feed testing) to support drought management decisions.

Technical support

Farm business technical and decision-making support is now available right across the state. These services are being delivered in partnership with a range of technical specialists, to support farmers to manage the impacts of increasingly difficult conditions. Farmers anywhere in Victoria can register now for a one-on-one farm advisory consultation to take stock and discuss the best way forward for their business. The consultation includes a session of up to 3 hours (face to face on farm or online) and follow-up call, to develop and implement a drought management action plan. When registering for the program, participants can indicate their preferred consultant from an extensive list of experienced service providers. A series of workshops, activities and events are also being delivered across the state to discuss drought management, together with our partners.

Look Over The Farm Gate

A ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program is available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress.

The Victorian Drought Freight Network

The Victorian Drought Freight Network has been established to allow critical grain and fodder to be transported to Victorian farms in need, making it easier and more cost-effective. This pre-approved permit network aims to reduce regulatory barriers and streamline access for interstate freight operators transporting grain and fodder into the region.

Interstate movement of fodder into Victoria

Ongoing drought conditions are creating significant challenges for Victoria’s livestock industry, particularly a critical shortage of fodder, with farmers needing to look interstate to source supply. Biosecurity permits for fodder movement are being prioritised with a 2-business day turnaround and inspection fees are being waived.
Agriculture Victoria is providing a free and tailored service to suppliers, transporters and farmers to help them efficiently navigate the permit requirements to bring feed into Victoria while managing biosecurity risks.
To apply for a permit visit – Interstate movement of hay and fodder into Victoria | Biosecurity updates | Moving plants and plant products | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria. Or call Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Link to Agriculture Victoria support

For more on support options for farmers click here.