Country Victorian communities will benefit from the creation of nearly 60 full time jobs over the next six months as part of the Agriculture Workforce Plan – supporting our farming community and keeping Victorians working.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes announced the further investment of over $3 million towards new jobs with Catchment Management Authorities (CMA) as well as the Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning (DELWP).

The Corangamite, North Central and North East CMAs will join five others already benefitting from the program.

New team members will undertake a range of work, including improving local land health through revegetation and fencing of important environmental areas such as waterways, weed control, soil sampling and water quality monitoring on private and adjacent public land.

This work addresses concerns raised by many farmers by helping to control rabbits, wild dogs and other pests and weeds that affect soil health and crop productivity and kill livestock.

New projects with DELWP will target critical action on pests. Projects in Loddon Mallee and and Grampians will support three teams to implement measures protecting public land and adjoining private land and farmland from 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.

The new wild dog controllers will be supported with training and supervision to ensure their health and safety while implementing best practice wild dog management.

To find out more about the $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes

“Job creation right across the state is crucial to keeping the Victorian economy moving right now, and agriculture is strongly placed to drive that.”

“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.”  

Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“This investment provides vital support for the communities that rely on our waterways and catchments right across regional Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is important, hands-on work that benefits communities across Victoria and keeps our environment and landscapes healthy.”