It will also offer extra mental health support.

In partnership with the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the government has announced funding of $300,000 to carry out a fodder drive, where critical feed will be provided for affected farmers to address fodder needs.

There is also $100,000 for the ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ program to extend mental health support for farming communities.

Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the fires had devastated farming families.

“It’s a cruel blow,” she said.

“But we want to assure every member across the community that we are listening and we care.”

“We’ve acted quickly – working closely with the VFF to activate the fodder relief drive and provide much needed ongoing community mental health support.”

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said farmers across the south-west were resilient.

“But even the toughest need support,” she said.

“The government always stands with our regional communities in tough times, and we will do it again.”

Financial support already announced for affected individuals in Colac-Otway, Corangamite, Moyne and Southern Grampians local government areas through the National Disaster Relief and Recovery effort includes:

Agriculture Victoria regional staff are working with farmers by providing assistance with animal welfare concerns and technical support to manage farms that have been impacted by fires.

Agriculture Victoria is assessing damage, which will inform the need for additional assistance. Farmers seeking assistance or wishing to report livestock impacted by fires should call (03) 5336 6721. For more general agricultural advice on recovery after fire call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service is also available to farmers, offering free and independent financial support to primary producers and non-agriculture related small businesses.  The service can be contacted on 1300 735 578.