With impacted feed reserves and lower harvest yields following a sustained drought period putting pressure on feed prices, Racing Victoria has introduced a Drought Relief Support Package aimed at helping alleviate current impacts and allow recipients time to put in place a plan to manage the potentially ongoing dry conditions.
Which are the eligible drought affected areas?
As of today (14 March 2025), licensed trainers and acknowledged post-racing program providers residing and directly caring for registered Victorian thoroughbreds in the following Local Government Areas are deemed eligible to apply (access form here) for the drought relief support package:
- Ararat
- City of Greater Geelong
- Colac Otway
- Corangamite
- Glenelg
- Golden Plains
- Moyne
- Pyrenees
- Southern Grampians
- Surf Coast
- Warrnambool
- West Wimmera (southern half– postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319)
RV will continue to consult with the Victorian Government and update its website with any changes to the eligible Local Government Areas able to access RV’s drought relief support package.
What is included in the drought relief support package?
Successful drought relief support package applicants will receive a one time payment of $500 per Stud Book registered thoroughbred (up to a maximum of $10,000 per individual recipient) for the provision of feed for pasture fed thoroughbreds. The thoroughbreds must:
- be in the direct care of the licensed trainer or acknowledged post-racing provider;
- not be actively in race training, or the horse may be retired but still in the care of the trainer;
- be majority owned by the trainer or acknowledged provider; and
- be domiciled in an eligible LGA for a minimum of 30 days.
The drought relief support package is only available once per successful applicant in the application window from 14 March 2025 to 30 June 2025.
How do I apply for the drought relief support package?
Applications are now open and can be submitted via the following link.
An application will only be considered between 14 March 2025 and 30 June 2025.
Please note the drought relief support package eligibility criteria and financial support is subject to ongoing review and can change at RV’s sole discretion.
RV will notify participants of any changes to the drought relief support package. This will primarily reflect weather conditions and feed costs in Victoria.
Who will contact me regarding my application’s outcome?
RV’s equine welfare team will email applicants with confirmation of their submission outcome. As a first step, this may include the need to seek additional information about your individual circumstances. Please allow up to one week for your application to be processed.
Successful applicants will need to confirm details such as bank information and their ABN number to enable RV to process the approved payment to their nominated bank account.
What if I’m not eligible for the drought relief support package?
Victorian thoroughbred racing industry participants who aren’t eligible for the drought relief support package may be eligible to access RV’s general emergency aid support.
If you’re facing tough times and need to seek assistance, please refer to the safety net information on this page or contact RV’s equine welfare team using the contact information below.
Who can I contact for more information or assistance with the application process?
RV’s equine welfare team can be contacted to find out more about the drought relief support package or to provide advice on your horse(s) individual circumstances and what other options may be available via email equinewelfare@racingvictoria.net.au or by phone on 03 9258 4258.
