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Drought Response Program extended

6 Apr 2016

Two key programs have been extended across the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region as part of the State Government’s $10 million boost to its Drought Response Package.  

The government has announced the breakdown of its extra funding — the Drought Support Fund — which will extend existing programs and provide for some new ones.   

North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer Brad Drust said the new package will result in the doubling of the Drought Employment Program across the western part of the catchment and the extension of the Stock Containment Area grants.   

The Drought Employment Program provides employment for farmers, farm workers and individuals severely affected by drought, with the North Central CMA coordinating the program. 

Similar programs will also be run by the Mallee and Wimmera CMAs.   “We have two DEP crews currently — at St Arnaud and Charlton — and they will now continue to the end of the year,” he said.   

“We are now opening up expressions of interest for two more crews in the western part of North Central CMA region including the Buloke, Loddon, Northern Grampians, Gannawarra, Pyrenees and Central Goldfields council areas.  

Detailed information, including the EOI form is available from the CMA’s website.

“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," Mr Drust said.  

“The establishment of additional crews means we are also on the lookout for new community projects. The current crews have helped with a range of natural resource management works such as weed control and plantings, as well as high-priority refurbishments of community facilities.”   

The government has also announced a $620,500 extension of its Stock Containment Areas program.
 
Eligible farmers can receive financial assistance of up to $2,000 for each SCA, with a maximum of three per property. 

Expressions of interest to be part of the new Drought Employment Program crews will be accepted until 5pm Friday 22 April. 

Applicants have until 5pm Saturday 14 May to apply for stock containment funding. Community project proposals will be accepted at any time.   


For further information on both programs contact the North Central CMA on 5448 7124 or visit our website.

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

 

 

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