More than one thousand farmers have had their say in the second annual Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) State of the State: Victorian Farmer Priorities Survey.
- Nine in ten farmers once again don’t believe the Victorian Government understands local issues or has a positive plan to grow the $22 billion industry, remaining unchanged from last year.
Farmers have outlined their top five list of concerns:
- Roads and freight network;
- New taxes and regulations;
- Emergency Services Levy;
- Transmission projects;
- Renewable energy transition.
VFF President Ryan Milgate said the results provide a sobering snapshot of regional Victoria, with feedback closely mirroring the scathing results gathered last year.
“More than a year since we asked regional Victorians if they felt they mattered, the needle has barely moved.”
“Nine in ten farmers still don’t believe the Victorian Government understands local issues or has a positive plan to grow the industry. With under 100 days until we head to the polls, that should set off alarm bells for the government and serve as a stark wake up call to all sides of politics.”
“Regional Victorians have once again sent a blunt message. Our roads are stuffed, we’re sick of being ripped-off by grossly unfair tax-grabs, protecting irreplaceable farmland matters and surging energy costs are making it harder and harder to make ends meet.”
“These findings highlight the simmering sentiment in the bush. People don’t feel like they are being listened to or that they matter,” Mr Milgate said.
Surging up the ranks this year to be the number one issue amongst farmers and regional Victorians was the state of our country roads.
“The biggest concern from farmers and regional Victorians is the absolute shocking state of our country roads. Some of them are literally death traps.”
“Of all of the issues facing regional Victorians, it’s a disgrace that road conditions have surged to be the biggest issue facing country Victorians.”
To view the full State of the State: Victorian Farmer Priorities Survey report, click here.