The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of a new employment initiative to assist the recovery of flood affected communities in north central Victoria.  The North Central CMA’s $2.7 million Flood Recovery Employment Program, is a one-year initiative that will provide flexible employment options to assist primary producers and other rural workers affected by the floods.

In the months since the first floods in September, the North Central CMA has been working across the region to respond to public enquiries and requests for assistance as a result of damage sustained by the floods. 

CMA Program Manager Adrian Martins has seen first hand the impact of flooding on the community and said the program will provide employment and training for locals who have been directly affected by the floods, while also assisting with much-needed repairs after extensive flood damage.

“Workers employed through this program will provide much needed assistance with flood recovery works to repair and protect public environmental assets. This will include putting up river protection fencing, controlling pest plant and animals, cleaning up flood debris and environmental monitoring activities.

“The program will also provide participants with new skills and assist in building support networks and relationships in regional areas that aid in building resilience of rural communities to respond to events like the floods,” said Mr. Martins.  

Mr Damian Wells, Chief Executive Officer for the North Central CMA explained  “The program is modelled on the CMA coordinated Drought Employment Program, which successfully employed 1135 drought affected workers to undertake environmental projects such as fencing and weed and pest control between 2006 and 2009.”

The North Central CMA will join four other Catchment Management Authorities around the state participating in the program including the Mallee, Wimmera, Goulburn Broken and Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s.  The initiative will be delivered in partnership with stakeholders including the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Department of Primary Industries and Local Governments.

Flood Recovery Employment Program vacancies will be advertised through local papers next week.  

In the meantime further information regarding the Flood Recovery Employment Program, including registering an interest to participate, please contact the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 or visit www.nccma.vic.gov.au

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