The Victorian Government has announced $320,000 in funding for Murrindindi Shire Council, to deliver on new projects aimed at boosting the local economies of Alexandra, Taggerty, Buxton and Marysville communities through the Forestry Transition Program’s Community Development Fund.
Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence said the funding will progress four “innovation areas” identified through the Shaping Murrindindi’s Future Local Development Strategy project. This includes farm forestry, renewable energy and the circular economy, health, aged care and social assistance, and tourism.
The project will use $120,000 of the funding to deliver a health and aged care workforce strategy that explores the challenges for the region to meet health and aged care needs including skills and employment attraction, as well as patient transport.
“This funding will give Murrindindi Shire Council the support it needs to continue progressing new ideas that will help boost employment in the region,” said Minister Spence.
The Shaping Murrindindi’s Future project has previously received a $300,000 Community Development Fund grant to provide capacity building and upskilling for locals to develop the skills needed to deliver their projects.
This work is underway through the support of a Community Capacity Building Officer who is coordinating activities such as workshops, events and short courses for local community members supporting the project.
“The collaboration and dedication of our community and Council has been commendable and exemplifies the spirit of Murrindindi Shire,” said Mayor, Damien Gallagher.
“I extend my appreciation to everyone who has participated in Shaping Murrindindi’s Future. This additional funding will help us continue to innovate and strengthen the economic foundations of our region.”
The Forestry Transition Program has provided almost $3 million in the Murrindindi region to support native timber businesses to transition their operations and other local businesses to expand their operations – creating and retaining 40 jobs.
For more information visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry.
