The Victorian Government is supporting primary producers in the City of Greater Shepparton and Yarra Ranges Council affected by the 23 March 2023 hailstorm event to get back in business, with loans support to help kickstart their relief and recovery effort.

Primary producers whose properties have been directly impacted or who have suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of the 2023 hailstorm event are eligible to apply for a Hailstorm Primary Producer Concessional Loan of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred while the clean-up is underway. Applications close 14 November 2023 at 4pm.

Rural Finance administers this program which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Which Local Government Areas are covered?

The following local government areas are eligible:

Contact Rural Finance: Please contact our office on 1800 260 425 if you have any questions.

Contact your local Rural Financial Counsellor: The Rural Financial Counselling Service offers free and independent financial information, options, decision making support and referral services to farmers and small, related rural businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship. A rural financial counsellor can assist farmers to understand, and apply for, government support. Call 1300 771 741.

Other Flood Recovery Support

Agriculture Victoria: A range of information and resources are available for flood and storm-affected primary producers, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods.

Flood Recovery Hotline: Victorians affected by the floods and storms can call 1800 560 760 for help with a range of clean-up services, finding somewhere to stay, mental health and wellbeing support. The recovery hotline is open from 7.30 am – 7.30 pm every day. Press 9 for an interpreter. For more information visit vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery.