DROUGHT-HIT farmers desperate for an income will be thrown a lifeline when a $1 million employment program is rolled out across central Victoria.
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The scheme, which forms a key part of the Andrews government’s drought relief package, will see farmers and farm workers employed in a variety of land management roles.
Weed and rabbit eradication, revegetation maintenance, fencing upkeep, soil health monitoring and GPS mapping are just some of the tasks eligible participants will perform.
The North Central Catchment Management Authority will manage projects across the drought-stricken areas of Donald, Charlton, Wedderburn and St Arnaud.
“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,” North Central CMA’s Brad Drust said.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the program during a November tour of the region’s worst affected areas. The scheme is expected to run for up to six months.