EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUE FOR DROUGHT AFFECTED AG SECTOR THIS WINTER

Farmers, farm workers and agricultural business employees impacted by the ongoing drought conditions in the south west can apply to be part of the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Drought Employment Program this winter.

The $1M Victorian Government funded program, delivered in the Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins CMA regions, provides meaningful off-farm employment opportunities for people experiencing hardship because of dry conditions – either through reduced hours, profitability or loss of employment – to take on a role with the CMA over the winter and spring period.

Corangamite CMA CEO Amber Clarke said the Drought Employment Program will play an important role in supporting farmers and community who are doing it tough while helping to deliver environmental outcomes on the ground.

“Like previous successful CMA Drought Employment Programs, this program provides a way for people to earn an income, apply their skills and build confidence in future employment opportunities by undertaking a range of different catchment health works, like riparian fencing, pest and weed control and revegetation,” she said.

Recent program participant Patrick Hutchins lived on a farm in Cape Clear. When they bought the property 18 months ago it was green and thriving, with a full dam and healthy paddocks. Since then, the drought has hit hard. The dam has almost dried up, the grass has turned crisp and brown, and Patrick has had to slowly reduce his flock. Living through these challenges firsthand is part of what drives his passion for supporting others in similar situations.

In his new role, Patrick works closely with Corangamite CMA staff, Traditional Owners, private landholders, and key stakeholders to assess sites and coordinate crews delivering essential maintenance and improvements across the catchment.

So far, his favourite part of the job is the people: “The Corangamite CMA team is full of some of the nicest, most supportive people I have ever met. Everyone works incredibly well together, and the positive outcomes just keep flowing, even through recent natural disasters.”

The Program is available for farmers or farm-dependent workers from 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in south west Victoria including Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, City of Greater Geelong and southern parts of West Wimmera.

Eligible local farmers and farm workers can now express interest in being part of the program ahead of a recruitment process via www.ccma.vic.gov.au (Corangamite CMA region) or Expression of Interest in Corangamite CMA Drought Employment Program roles

Or for those in the Glenelg Hopkins CMA region www.ghcma.vic.gov.au

The current round of Expressions of interest are due by 12 June 2026.