United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Adam Jenkins said the Port of Melbourne lease was a win for rural communities.
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“It’s a great result because farmers stood up for what they believed in,” he said.
Proceeds from the deal will be used to improve farm-road networks through a $25 million face lift.
The Victorian Farmers Federation welcomed the state government’s announcement, giving local councils the chance to apply for funding to upgrade roads, intersections and bridges used by primary producers as part of a Local Roads to Market Program.
The program is being funded by the $200m Agriculture Industry and Jobs Fund.
VFF President David Jochinke said it would continue to ensure rural and regional Victoria were provided a fair go, with “essential road network funding a good start”.
Irrigation, pipelines for water security, rail-line upgrades and mobile black spots were also highlighted as areas to improve.