TIME is running out for governments to find real solutions to help drought-stricken rural communities survive, says TED BAILLIEU

WITH growing disconnection between country and urban communities, now is the time for the stories of country Victorians to resonate with Melburnians in an unprecedented way.

Agricultural resources have been at the heart of our competitive strengths for decades, and it all starts on the farm.

Primary industries are of primary importance and it is too easy for Melburnians to take the productivity of our rural communities for granted.

It is not that Melburnians do not care about the impact of the drought; it is more that they are simply not aware of the depth of that impact.

The difficulties these communities face are simply horrendous.

Their stories are being told, but too often they are being told to country media and country outlets, which in turn only re-tell them to country communities.

When Melburnians do become aware, they care deeply.

This is highlighted every time we face a bushfire nightmare.

We see dramatic photos, read of heartbreaking stories and the media coverage often blankets the state as closely as the smoke.

Melburnians and other Victorians respond with a generous spirit and support as quickly and sincerely as anywhere in the world. We pride ourselves on it.

But drought is an even more insidious phenomenon. It creeps up, it takes time. The footage is different and the photographs are less animated.

In the face of a bushfire, communities pack up and run for their lives. But they return later and rebuild.

In the face of a drought, communities stay and fight for their livelihoods, sometimes to the bitter end.

On a recent visit to northern Victoria, I heard about the impact on families, children and the community.

I heard of the courage involved in the continuing need for investment and borrowings and the incredible commitment to farm efficiencies by farmers and food producers.

I heard about the use of technology and the attempts to advance efficiencies on farms.

I heard about and observed the pride of farmers and communities in what they are doing.

But there is also incredible frustration and a growing sense of disconnection from the Government and metropolitan communities, and that needs to be addressed.

Drought has a devastating impact on families and communities. But people feel frustrated, disempowered and not informed by government.

There is a big dark cloud over the community, and unfortunately it is not a rain cloud.

Country Victoria is tired of being blamed for not being efficient, or not using water wisely. They are doing their absolute best with what they have.

There is deep cynicism and mistrust, which should be replaced by honesty and transparency in the way government deals with these communities.

There is a great need for recognition by government and the broader community of the role these farming communities play.

I heard the same message being repeated, that the common thread that ties all regional communities is water. The social impact of the drought is as devastating as the farming impact.

Attracting and retaining the next generation of farmers is getting harder and harder but nevertheless they want to keep going.

These communities want water to stay in the region.

They want their government to express confidence in their future. They want connection with metropolitan communities and they crave certainty.

This is a crisis. It is a crisis of drought and a crisis of confidence and our fate is tied to the fate of country Victorians.

• Ted Baillieu is Leader of the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition.