The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is thrilled to reveal what has been a local success story over the past six months.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is thrilled to reveal what has been a local success story over the past six months.
The region's Drought Employment Program (DEP) has assisted local farmers affected by drought while implementing environmental conservation and protection schemes developed by the GB CMA.
Celebrating the conclusion of the 2008 Drought Employment Program GB CMA Manager of Strategic River Health Wayne Tennant says this year's program has been a huge success and the program is a win-win outcome for farmers and the environment.
"Employing over 80 local farmers, the program enabled many to stay afloat during such critical times,' said Mr Tennant.
"They undertook a demanding work load of over 40,000 hours of on-ground work as part of the program.'
"After eradicating and controlling over 12, 000 ha of weeds, revegetating 69 ha, fencing 1, 000 ha of remnant protection and plenty more, the program provided many environmental conservation solutions in the area,' said Mr Tennant.
"The program has now officially drawn to a close with some employees returning to their farms while others will seek full-time work through Skilled."
Bryan Fitzsimmons a participant with the DEP said he has enjoyed the program and the people but the financial benefits of working on the program have been fantastic.
"It has been hard to manage my farm and work on the DEP but the extra money has been really helpful, my wife has been running the farm and she is looking forward to having me home to milk the cows.'
"If the GB CMA run the program again I would not hesitate to get involved, I would just have to check with my wife first," said Mr Fitzsimmons.
Peter Bullen from Skilled the labour hire company, who employed all of the DEP participants for the GB CMA, said the program was a great success and Skilled enjoyed getting involved as it is a very beneficial program for the community, land holders and drought affected farmers.
Funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment as part of the Victorian Government's statewide Drought Response Package, the GB CMA received about $2.7 million to implement the program.
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Contact:
Stacey Brauman Impress Publicity on 0400 644 637