News

Southern Mallee drought program extended

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 06:05:00

FARMERS and rural businesses severely affected by the drought are encouraged apply for the Southern Mallee Drought Employment Program.

The Mallee Catchment Management Authority is coordinating the program Southern Mallee Drought Employment Program, and has welcomed the Victorian Government’s extension of drought-response funding in view of the ongoing dry conditions.

The program offers flexible work arrangements for up to five days a week on jobs such as weed and rabbit control works; watering revegetation sites; fencing native vegetation; improving soil health; and GPS mapping of weeds and riparian revegetation.

Work teams employed through the program are currently operating out of Birchip and Hopetoun, but additional bases may be established depending on demand.

Mallee CMA chairperson Sharyon Peart said local government and community groups have embraced the drought employment program for the community-wide benefits it is delivering.

“The crews are working on projects the community itself sees to be of value,” Ms Peart said.

“They have done things like watering native vegetation sites, removing old fencing and rubbish from the local public reserves at sites including Lake Lascelles and Lake Corrong, as well as weed and pest animal control in partnership with local government and public land managers,” she said.

“We think these types of programs are an important contribution we can make to supporting people and holding communities together during a tough time.”

Ms Peart said the program was flexible in its structure, allowing participants to rotate on and off to continue work on their own properties.

“It offers people a way to earn some income, but with the flexibility to continue focussing on the important work that still needs to be done on the farm,” she said.

More information and an application pack is available from the Mallee CMA on 5051 4377 or via the website at http://www.malleecma.vic.gov.a.....nt-program