Colac Otway Shire Council in Victoria is offering lenient rate payment times to residents impacted by the dramatic drop in dairy prices.
The southwest Victorian region is strong dairy country – it produces almost a quarter of Australia’s milk.
Since the cut to farm gate milk prices in May, Council has been campaigning hard for relief for impacted residents.
Along with the Great South Coast group of councils – which covers the municipalities of Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Warrnambool – the Shire wrote to the State and Federal Governments after the announced price cut, calling for the creation of “one-stop-shops” of legal, financial and counselling services.
Colac Otway Mayor Frank Buchanan, a former dairy farmer himself, said in a time of crisis it is critical for people to receive information and help from a single place.
“Dairy farmers are very busy people and often can’t find time to leave their farm to go and seek help,” said the Mayor.
“This model will ensure they can make one phone call and, if needed, they can have someone from the relevant agency come to their home to discuss their needs.”
The Council has also reminded the community of the opportunity for more lenient payment terms to people affected by the dramatic price cuts.
In an urgent item of business discussed at a Council meeting at the end of May, Councillors discussed the importance of providing flexibility around rates payments to farmers, and also those businesses supplying the dairy industry.
“Under the decision agreed upon by councillors, people affected by the dairy industry crisis can contact Council to request additional time to pay their rates,” said the Mayor.
“There also may be opportunities for interest waivers, and the needs of each ratepayer will be assessed by Council on a case-by-case basis.
“This will not just apply to dairy farmers, but other industry types that supply the dairy industry that may have been adversely affected.”
Mayor Buchanan encouraged dairy farmers to contact Council to discuss their individual circumstances.
“The dairy industry is one of Colac Otway Shire’s most important economic drivers and Council wants to support the industry and in particular, the people involved.
“This has been one of the most difficult periods the dairy industry has ever faced, and in addition to the financial impact it has had an enormous emotional impact.
“I encourage people to contact Council to discuss their rates and ways we can help ease the pressure on their cash flows.”
