AS the drought tightens its grip on communities across central and northern Victoria, those agencies charged with the vital role of supporting people suffering from the impacts of the big dry are also feeling the pinch.

Combined with the equally tough economic climate, drought is taking its toll not just on an increasing number of families and businesses, but on those who would normally be providing assistance.

The occasional fits and starts of rain that have at least allowed farmers the chance to plant a crop, have given us all much hope that there will be a better harvest than in previous seasons, but there is a long way to go before aid agencies can breathe a sigh of relief.

One of the greatest dangers we face in seeking to sustainably manage the impact of drought on the community is to become complacent, because even when good rain comes, there will still be a long way to go before we can all put the drought behind us.

That's why we must support those who support us, our neighbours and the business down the street, who are all doing it hard in these very tough times.

Balancing the hopes and expectations of the rural community with the need to provide continuing assistance, is a responsibility for government to take on board via the Exceptional Circumstances funding initiative.

Providing a surety as early as possible that the funding support will stay in place is essential to those hard-working farmers and rural businesses that need the support and clarity to plan their survival.

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