The Allan Labor Government is helping the Murrindindi Shire community to secure the region's future with new jobs in emerging industries as part of the Forestry Transition Program.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced $300,000 for Murrindindi Shire Council to provide capacity building and upskilling for locals so they can begin implementing opportunities identified via their Local Development Strategy (LDS) program.
The LDS program is designed to be community-led and reflect what locals want to see happen. Since last September, the Shaping Murrindindi's Future project has consulted with locals, businesses and government agencies to identify and understand the region's aspirations for their future and where skill shortages are.
The project has identified six key initiatives to explore, including farm forestry, renewable energy and the circular economy, health, aged care and social assistance, advanced manufacturing, tourism and sustainable agriculture.
The training will be delivered locally over the next 12 months and includes workshops, networking events, field trips and short courses.
The $22 million Community Development Fund and LDS grants provide medium- to long-term support for 11 native timber communities to identify new economies and create jobs.
Recently Baw Baw Shire Council received a grant from the Fund that will help the town of Noojee transition away from native timber harvesting, improve energy reliability in the region and investigate opportunities for a community hub and education center.
For more information on the Forestry Transition Program visit vic.gov.au/forestry.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"This funding supports the Murrindindi Shire to provide training for community members to get the skills they need for their region's future as they transition away from native timber harvesting."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"I look forward to seeing and hearing about some of the great initiatives identified by the Murrindindi's community as they shape their future and build an economy that plays to their strengths."
As stated by Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher
"These funds will help our community maintain and build on the momentum created through the Shaping Murrindindi's Future Project and our Local Development Strategy, ensuring impacted communities are supported through the transition away from native timber harvesting."
