Jobs for drought affected ag workers

EMPLOYMENT opportunities for farmers, farm workers and agricultural business workers impacted by the ongoing drought in the south-west are now available.

Applications are being accepted by the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Drought Employment Program.

The program is funded by the State Government and is being delivered in the Corangamite CMA region.

It will give off-farm employment opportunities for people experiencing hardship due to the drought.

Corangamite CMA CEO Amber Clarke said the Drought Employment Program will play an important role in supporting farmers and community who are doing it tough while helping to deliver environmental outcomes on the ground in both regions.

“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,” she said.

The Drought Employment Program is part of a $144 million support package announced by Minister for Water Gayle Tierney recently.

“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,” she said.

Drought conditions in the south-west region have been severe over a long period of time with $1m available for CMA programs.

Eligible local farmers and farm workers can now express interest in being part of the program ahead of a recruitment process at ccma.vic.gov.au.