Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes announced the further investment of more than $3 million towards new jobs with catchment management authorities as well as the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
“Job creation right across the state is crucial to keeping the Victorian economy moving right now, and agriculture is strongly placed to drive that,” Ms Symes said.
“These new positions will support our vital agricultural sector through improving land health and pest control, and helping farmers to continue to deliver food to Victorians’ tables.”
The Corangamite, North Central and North East CMAs will join five others already benefiting from the program.
New team members will improve local land health through revegetation and fencing of important environmental areas, weed control, soil sampling and water quality monitoring on private and adjacent public land.
This work will address concerns raised by many farmers, by helping to control rabbits, wild dogs and other pests and weeds affecting soil health, crop productivity and killing livestock.
New projects with DELWP will target critical action on pests, with projects in the Loddon Mallee and Grampians regions to support three teams implementing measures to tackle invasive species such as weeds and rabbits.
Two additional teams will help manage wild dog populations and their impact on livestock, including activities like baiting and trapping.
Victorian Water Minister Lisa Neville said the new jobs would benefit communities by keeping the environment healthy.“This investment provides vital support for the communities that rely on our waterways and catchments right across regional Victoria,” she said.
For more information about the $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan