The newly-announced drought employment program will be rolled out in western part of the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region, as part of a $1 million drought relief package announced by the Victorian Government.   

The program will provide employment for farmers, farm workers and individuals severely affected by drought, with the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) coordinating the program in the western area of the catchment. Similar programs will also be run in by the Mallee and Wimmera CMAs.   

“This employment program offers local farmers and farm workers a way to earn an income, while still being able to focus on continuing important work on the farm,” North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer Brad Drust said.   

The North Central CMA will run projects in the area that includes Donald, Charlton, Wedderburn and St Arnaud. Work hours will be flexible, allowing employees the opportunity of being able to rotate on and off the program in order to continue work on their own properties.   

It is expected the program will run for four to six months and participant numbers will vary according to seasonal demands and work programs.   

Those employed under the program will work as part of a work crew on jobs such as weed and rabbit control works; watering revegetation sites; fencing native vegetation; improving soil health; GPS mapping of weeds; and revegetation.   

“The North Central CMA has successfully run drought and flood employment programs in recent years, so the organisation is well equipped to get this program up and running as soon as possible,” Mr Drust said.   

“We will work closely with our community groups, partner agencies, local government and key farming groups to develop a strong work schedule for the employment program and more information will be available in coming weeks.”  

If you are interested in being part of the program, or have a project to nominate, contact the North Central CMA on 5448 7124. For more information, click here.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au