Over the past 12 - 18 months the VFF has continued to lead the debate on many vital issues
with government and within the media:
The VFF is standing up to the Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
so that farmers will not be left to foot a multi-million dollar carbon tax bill.
Lobbied the Victorian Government to ensure a long term commitment to Victorian food production,
the Future Farming Strategy, a $205 million programme including $103 million targeted at improving
farm productivity, $11 million for addressing climate change and $3 million for skills development.
Obtained a $180 million commitment on Victoria's Rail Freight Network including a complete
restoration of key gold and silver freight lines and a rehabilitation of selected bronze lines.
Lobbied for boosts to critical regional infrastructure, including $1.2 billion for better
regional arterials, $240 million in a boost to maintenance funding for regional roads and significant
funding for Auslink2 projects.
Lobbied the State and Federal Governments to continue drought support measures for Victorian
farmers by extending EC declarations and announcing a new $115 million package of State based drought support.
Worked to ensure that the State and Federal Governments gave the green light to the Port Phillip Bay
Channel Deepening project which will generate in excess of $2 billion for the Victorian economy over the
next thirty years.
Continued to lead the debate on the National Plan for Water Security to protect the rights of
Victorian irrigators.
Supported the applicants through legal proceedings in the Hahnheuser case to protect the $1.8
billion Live Export Trade, so that farmers can get on with the job without fear of environmental activists
damaging their businesses.
Successfully lobbied the Victorian Government to introduce a $400 rebate for horticulturalists
purchasing a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS)
Worked with Agfarm to form the first Victorian grower-owned Grains Brokerage Alliance in
Australia's newly deregulated wheat market.
Signed off on two significant documents with the Minerals Council of Australia regarding exploration
and mining on Victorian private land to protect Victorian farmers in their dealings with the mining industry.
The VFF played a vital role in the lifting of the moratorium on GM canola and use of alternative weed
management techniques in canola crops.
The VFF has negotiated a special price for NLIS cattle tags for Victoria's cattle producers. At $1.65
each, this represents a savings of $2.15 from the price paid interstate and saves the local industry an
estimated $1.2 million yearly.
The VFF is taking the lead in lobbying the Government about the Fire Services Levy and Native Vegetation
Regulation in the upcoming Royal Commission into the Victorian bushfires.
Please see below for some of our current sponsors' offers available to all VFF members.
Telstra
No other mainland state farmer organisation on the eastern seaboard has been partnered by Telstra.
This new arrangement means members can take full advantage of Telstra's Next G wireless technology
and its capabilities.
A dedicated VFF 1800 toll free sales and product enquiry number is available for all VFF/Telstra members
to gain on the spot advice and information. In addition, a free Bill Health Check can be performed by a
Telstra staff member, who will analyse your bill and advise if any savings can be made or recommend an
alternative plan. A dedicated VFF service line for difficulties with Telstra service and handsets is also
available only to VFF members.
Elders
Elders is a key corporate sponsor of the VFF, which means that as Elders grows, so does the VFF.
The Farm package offered to you by Elders offers a range of options to suit your individual needs.
Along with the personal advice given to you by our qualified representatives, all VFF members receive
consistent and competitive pricing.
Mitsubishi
From this year the value of accessories which VFF members are entitled to on new Mitsubishi cars has been
increased from $350 to $500. This will be ongoing and is in addition to the national fleet purchase price VFF
members are entitled to across the range.
Rydges
Rydges hotel and resorts is the VFF's preferred accommodation provider. VFF Members can take advantage of a
range of discounted rates on hotel rooms. Members can save over $200 on overnight Deluxe Queen style accommodation
at one of five locations in Melbourne. VFF Members can now book their Rydges accommodation online at
www.rydges.com/cwp/vff.
ABN AMRO Morgans
ABN AMRO Morgans is a stockbroking firm. For those who wish to diversify their income stream,
or just increase their off-farm wealth, here's the opportunity to have a reputable stock broker come to you
and discuss investment strategies free of charge.
As a VFF member, if you choose to avail yourself of services, not only do you have access to your own
stockbroker but specialist reports and brokerage fees that have been discounted between 25 - 50 percent
from standard rates.
Slidders Lawyers
Slidders Lawyers is a full service commercial law firm. It has a young and energetic team with a proven diversity
of skills and experience. It aims to provide professional, progressive and personal legal services to our clients across
a broad range of disciplines and industry sectors. Slidders Lawyers are the preferred supplier of legal services to the VFF
and its members. It has broad experience in dealing with the issues confronting agribusiness industry members - whether
they be farmers, handlers, brokers or producers.
Slidders Lawyers offer VFF Members their first legal consultation free of charge.
Utilacor
Utilacor is an energy management consultancy that specialises in all forms of energy supply including electricity and gas.
The VFF has decided to partner with Utilacor as it has a wide range of specialised skills and services that will be of
advantage to members.
Combining our energy needs will create an enormous 'pool'. The larger the pool is, the better the price will be -
not only for the coming year but also for the next five, 10 and 20 years.
In addition to the pool, through its own proprietary software, KWatch®, Utilacor audits and investigates your power
bills seeking out pricing errors in past invoices. With its knowledge of the power and gas industry, in conjunction with its
internal electrical engineers, Utilacor can advise you of various options for savings to help reduce your energy costs.
