- Published:
- Wednesday 6 April 2016
Young farmers and students in drought affected north-west Victoria now have more opportunities to access training on their journey to becoming the food and fibre leaders of tomorrow.
Twenty new full-time agricultural traineeships will be available at Longerenong College near Horsham, providing school leavers with the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Agriculture.
Funding of $574,500 from the $10 million Drought Support Fund will be provided to local training organisation Skillinvest to oversee the recruitment, administration and monitoring of the program, which includes on-farm placement with local farming businesses.
This education package will ensure the training of young farmers is not disrupted by the drought.
The Andrews Labor Government knows the importance of TAFE training across the state. Through the $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund and the $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund, the Labor Government has saved TAFE and is putting it back on the map.
In addition to the skills funding at Longerenong College, the Labor Government has announced further fast tracked infrastructure projects in the Grampians and Wimmera area to create jobs and support locals through these tough times. Local projects include;
- $1 million for the Horsham North Hub – a multi-purpose community centre with meeting and consulting rooms, offices, a function space and a range of education, healthcare and support services
- $312,000 for the revitalisation of May Park in Horsham, which includes a universal-access playground
- $187,500 to upgrade amenities at Lake Fyans including new walking trails
- $500,000 to complete a major redevelopment of the Kerang Business Precinct
- $320,000 to upgrade the Riverside Holiday Park in Dimboola
- $330,000 for Living Landsborough, to improve and link community assets with local businesses.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“It is crucial that we support the next generation of farmers, so that we can maintain our position as our nation’s top food and fibre exporting state.”
“We promised we would get Victorians back on the land and even with drought conditions, we will do just that.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“This investment will support the ageing agricultural workforce and avoid potential skills shortages. We want to ensure that young people remain in rural communities and contribute to the future prosperity of the industry.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville
“We’re standing side-by-side with drought affected communities to lessen the impact of drought and ensure our regions have a bright long term future.”