Local community members in the Gannawarra Shire have been working across the Shire to repair flood damage to property, infrastructure and key environmental assets thanks to the State Government’s $2.7 million Flood Recovery Employment Program.

Coordinated by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the objective of the Program is to employ community members who have been adversely affected from flooding in the region to undertake flood recovery works.

Mr Adrian Martins who is managing the Program said re-establishing the resilience of rural comminutes is a high priority for the North Central CMA.  “We have been able to employ 56 community members, either full-time or part-time, across the North Central CMA region, including two work crews dedicated to the Gannawarra Shire. 

“The Program is a win-win for the local community and the natural environment.  These work crews have been deployed primarily in the Greater Kerang region to work on land which has been directly or indirectly impacted by the flood events from last Spring and Summer.”

Mr Martins said since September the work crews have been involved in the repair and construction of new fencing on public and private property, removing weeds in the Lake Charm area and walking track repair in the Gunbower forest.

All crews have been provided with training in occupational health and safety, fencing and chainsaw accreditation. They continue to be supported in the field by CMA officers and partner organisations to ensure works are of a high standard and the safety of crew members is maintained, confirmed Mr Martins. 

Future works will include rabbit control, further weed removal and fencing in the Greater Kerang area, concluded Mr Martins.

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