No images? Click here
Thursday 17 September 2026
H5 bird flu – current situation
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them.
Avoid direct contact.
Record what you see.
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or using the online form.
Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
Report even one sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
Increased knowledge for land managers responding to H5 bird flu
More than 500 public land management staff and volunteers have increased their knowledge of H5 bird flu to help strengthen the response across Victoria.
Surveillance and sampling training for public land managers has been delivered to land managers involved in detecting, reporting and collecting samples from deceased wildlife, particularly marine mammals and seabirds.
This will enable individuals across more areas of Victoria to contribute to sampling requirements as surveillance efforts increase.
Locust response
Seen locusts or signs of locust activity? Report them online. Your report helps us monitor locust populations and support early management efforts across Victoria.
Report via our website form or call 136 186.
Growing global demand for Victorian Dairy
Victoria remains Australia’s leading dairy exporter, and we’re ensuring that continues through a new partnership.
We’re partnering with Dairy Australia to help more dairy businesses access new trades and markets.
Minister Settle announced $250,000 in funding for the Growing Demand for Victorian Dairy Exports Program.
This funding through Global Victoria was matched by Dairy Australia, which will enable the delivery of:
- the Dairy Australia Scholarships Program including the Victorian based visit program and ongoing alumni engagement
- international seminars, showcasing the best of Australian dairy production and innovation on a global stage
- trade policy and market access work.
Victoria’s duck abundance survey about to begin
The Game Management Authority (GMA) will begin its annual Victorian game duck abundance survey on Monday, 5 October.
The survey will be conducted by wildlife biologists who will record the presence, species and number of game ducks at more than 860 waterbodies across Victoria, including wetlands, farm dams, sewerage treatment plants, streams and rivers.
Most sites will be surveyed by helicopter. Ground counts will be used where the helicopter is unable to operate.
Plan ahead for the fire season
Hear practical lessons from farmers affected by the January fires and pick up tips to help protect your livestock, property and the future operation of your farm business.
Listen to the farm fire preparedness webinar recording and use the Fire Preparedness Toolkit to get started.
Download your free copy of the toolkit from our website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires/fire-toolkit or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au to request a hard copy.
Drought Support Package
As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.
Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:
- Farm Drought Support Grants
- Farm Advisory Service - 1:1 consultations
- Look Over the Farm Gate grants
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
The Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip for September is now available.
We love to receive your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feedback, please contact Dale Grey at the.break@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Bushfire recovery
Grants and concessional loans
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: you may be eligible for financial support for recovery.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 for those who have suffered major asset damage or loss of income.
Grant applications close 4 pm, 21 October.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Rebates to improve digital connectivity for primary producers
The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 assists primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety.
The grant is provided as a rebate to approved suppliers following the sale, delivery, installation, and training, where applicable, of eligible equipment to eligible primary producers. Eligible primary producers must access the program through an approved supplier.
A rebate of up to $20,000 (ex GST) is available to cover up to 50% of the eligible purchase price of eligible equipment.
Applications close 5 pm, Thursday 15 October.
Kangaroo population surveys
DEECA's biennial kangaroo population surveys are happening 5 to 30 September across Victoria.
Helicopters will be flying at low altitudes and slow speeds to count kangaroos. Flights are carefully planned to avoid houses and livestock.
These surveys improve our understanding of Victoria's kangaroo population and help inform wildlife management decisions.
For further information, contact our Customer Contact Centre on 131 186.
Past survey reports are available at: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/our-wildlife/kangaroos
Support before, during and after drought with RIC loans
RIC low-interest loans support Australian farm businesses involved in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural (beekeeping) or aquacultural industries.
Visit the RIC website for an overview of eligible industries.
Free Mental Health First Aid® Training
Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) equips participants with the skills and confidence to recognise and respond when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, provide initial support, and guide them towards appropriate professional help.
Upcoming free course
Woomelang, Victoria
21 to 22 September
Course format: 2 days (12 hours)
These free training opportunities are supported through Look Over The Farm Gate grants provided by Agriculture Victoria under the Victorian Government's 2025 Drought Support Package.
Save the date - Wimmera Pulse Field Day
When: Wednesday 28 October from 8:30 am
Cost: Free
The Wimmera Pulse Field Day is an annual regional showcase hosted by Agriculture Victoria and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). This year's field day will cover:
- pulse crop trials and agronomy
- maximising N-fixation in pulses
- nutrition management - how Phosphorus can improve yield
- the release of 2 faba beans.
More details to come soon!
What's On
Success with succession planning
When: Tuesday 6 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Elmhurst Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Elmhurst
Farm business owners, partners and family members are invited to a free 1-day workshop to learn how to plan a smooth transition of their family farm.
Presented by Dr Kate Burke, an independent consultant with extensive experience in coaching and facilitating farm business strategy.
Farm Fire Preparedness
When: Monday 5 October 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Molesworth Public Hall, 4364 Goulburn Valley Highway, Molesworth
When: Thursday 8 October, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Osbornes Flat Hall, 315 Osbornes Flat Road, Osbornes Flat
Livestock owners are invited to attend a practical workshop to help prepare their property for bushfires.
Participants will:
- learn key actions to take before, during and after a fire event
- hear expert advice on farm infrastructure, property preparedness, livestock management, business continuity and recovery
- use planning templates and an A3 farm map to support their own bushfire preparedness
- gain additional skills and knowledge needed to help shape future bushfire preparedness workshops and training opportunities.
Places are limited, register by Thursday 1 October.
Pre-harvest People Check
When: Monday 12 October 7 pm
Where: Online
Join Agriculture Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo for a free webinar with Cath Jenkins from Rural People Co. and discover practical ways to improve communication, accountability and productivity in your workplace.
Perfect for anyone working with employees, contractors or family members this coming harvest.
Let's Talk Future Farming - Loddon Region
When: Thursday 15 October 5:30–7:30 pm
Where: Bridgewater Hotel
Farmers, growers and agribusinesses across the Loddon region are invited to a free evening exploring the future of farming.
Hear local stories on virtual fencing, autonomous vehicles, innovation and more.
GRDC events
Visit the GRDC events page for upcoming events.
Contacting Agriculture Victoria
Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.
All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe now.