As part of the Victorian Government's drought recovery efforts, the North Central CMA received a total of $2.5 million for a Drought Employment Program. This program was able to provide opportunities for rural residents experiencing unprecedented hardships caused by the drought, while achieving environmental benefits.
More than 200 people were trained and employed under the DEP in 2008-09. Working together, the North Central CMA, interested community members and regional organisations applied their skills and experience to carry out environmental works to ensure a viable and sustainable future for the region. The DEP achieved impressive results including:
- 970 ha of terrestrial weed control across North Central Victoria
- 207 km of weed control along priority waterways
- 317 ha of rabbit control works
- 69, 000 native tubestock watered
- 14,000 native tubestock planted
- 266 Aboriginal Cultural heritage sites recorded
- 80 km of riparian and terrestrial fencing completed
- 52 landholders undertook stock containment areas for environmental protection
The Drought Employment Program highlights the achievements that can be made when people work together. We would not have been able to run the program as effectively without our project partners, including:
- Department of Sustainablity and Environment
- Goulburn-Murray Water
- Central Highlands Water
- Parks Victoria
- City of Greater Bendigo
- Shire of Campaspe
- Shire of Gannawarra
- Shire of Loddon
- Shire of Macedon-Ranges
- Shire of Northern Grampians-Buloke
- Mid-Loddon Sub-Catchment Management (Landcare) Group
- Peppergreen Farm
- Goldenpoint Landcare Group
- Salisbury West Landcare Group
For more information on the 2008-09 Drought Employment Program, download the Report Card below:
North Central CMA Drought Employment Program 2008-09 Report Card
Please note that any future Drought Employment Programs run by North Central CMA will be advertised throughout the regular media channels.