Local agricultural sector workers affected by ongoing drought conditions can now apply to be part of a temporary employment scheme.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has announced the return of its Drought Employment Program, which offers farmers, farm workers and agricultural business employees off-farm employment opportunities over the next year.
The program will be available for workers from 11 local government areas in south-west Victoria, including Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Golden Plains and the City of Greater Geelong.
Corangamite CMA chief executive Amber Clarke said the program would play an important role in supporting farmers and community members who are doing it tough while helping to deliver environmental outcomes in the region.
“Like previous successful CMA Drought Employment Programs, this program provides a way for people to earn an income, apply their skills and build confidence in future employment opportunities by undertaking a range of different catchment health works, like riparian fencing, pest and weed control and revegetation,” Ms Clarke said.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney announced the program as part of the $144 million support package developed through the Premier’s Drought Response Taskforce.
“The Drought Employment Program will support workers with off-farm income while conditions are difficult, while bringing forward essential local environmental and waterway improvement works,” Ms Tierney said.
Eligible farmers and farm workers can visit ccma.vic.gov.au/drought-employment-program to express their interest in participating in the program.
