Fire, flood and emergencies
Support for Farmers and Agri-Businesses
- March 2026 Rain Event
Council is calling on the Victorian State Government to provide immediate and decisive support for farmers and agri-businesses impacted by the March 2026 rain event.
The severe weather has caused widespread damage across the municipality, particularly in the Robinvale region, occurring at a critical time during harvest. The impacts include significant crop losses, disruption to income, and increasing financial pressure on local businesses.
Council is working with AgVic and Emergency Management Victoria) (EMV) to expedite a relief package for those affected.
Need Assistance?
Council is providing assistance where possible, including flexible rate payment arrangements; however, the scale of this event is beyond the capacity of local government alone.
Swan Hill Rural City Council - Financial Hardship Application
Additional support is available
- Mildura City Council - Flood emergencies and safety information.
- Lower Murray Water – Get help with your bill.
- Rural Financial Counselling Services - RFCS can provide support in business planning, creditor negotiation, cash flow management, and accessing govt and industry support programs.
- One-on-One farm advisory consultations - Victorian farmers can book up to two free one-on-one session with specialists including farm business advisers, livestock nutritionists, soil and pasture specialists, water experts, and veterinarians.
- Farm Drought Support Grants - While designed for farmers impacted by drought, eligible farmers may also be able to access and use grants of up to $5,000 for on-farm improvements and other business activities (if not accessed already).
- National Centre for Farmer Health - Wellbeing counsellors are available to visit affected producers and their families at their property or over the phone to assist with mental health and wellbeing issues.
- Emergency Relief/Recovery payments - You might be able to get an Emergency Relief Payment from the Victorian Government or you may also be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.
- VicEmergency - Access essential information on financial assistance, support services, and recovery guidance to help you navigate and recover after an emergency.
Emergencies can take many forms, including natural disaster such as fire or flood, tragic incidents, or other forms of loss or disruption to people’s lives.
Preparing for an emergency is everyone’s responsibility.
Council ensures effective arrangements are in place before, during and after an emergency.
Emergency contacts and websites
For all emergencies - dial Triple Zero (000)
Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP)
The Swan Hill Rural City Council Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) is prepared by the Swan Hill Rural City Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee in accordance with Section 60 ADB of the Emergency Management Act 2013.
The MEMP is designed to be comprehensive but compact, defining the agreed arrangements for the mitigation of, response to and recovery from emergencies. It confirms the roles and responsibilities of agencies and stakeholders within the Swan Hill municipal district and provides a stage for interoperability and shared responsibility. The overall aim of the MEMP is to reduce the likelihood of emergencies and their effect and consequences. It also aims to build safer and more resilient communities.
Municipal Emergency Management Plan 2025-2028(PDF, 1MB)
Sub plans and Complimentary Plans
Municipal Fire Management Plan 2017-2020(PDF, 12MB)
Township Bushfire Mitigation Plan 2016(PDF, 10MB)
Heat Health Plan 2020(PDF, 2MB)
Other information
VicEmergency is the central place access timely emergency information and warnings on all hazards, including fire, flood, storm, tsunami, earthquake, landslide and more.
Visit the VicEmergency website
You can download the VicEmergency app from the App Store or Google Play.
