The Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has announced $50,000 for Four Peaks Pastoral Pty Ltd to expand their business and employ former forestry workers as part of Round 1 of the Forestry Transition Fund.
The business utilises the local skilled workforce to provide agricultural services to farmers and producers around Omeo, Swifts Creek, and the surrounding districts.
Business owner Stewart Moroney started the business after seeing a need for workers with unique skill sets to supplement the agricultural workforce in peak periods.
Four Peaks provides various agricultural services, including fencing, shearing, pest control and harvest support.
The grant will enable Four Peaks to purchase tool kits, portable livestock handling equipment and a vehicle-mounted spray system.
The business will employ full-time farm support workers with general skill sets for the initial start-up phase, with a preference to employ workers previously employed in the native timber industry.
Round 2 of the Forestry Transition Fund is now open. The proposal must support job creation and business development in communities impacted by the end of native timber harvesting.
A $20,000 employment incentive payment for the employment of ex-native timber workers is also available.