A clean-up program of waterways, including the Werribee and Maribyrnong rivers, has been announced as part of efforts to keep people working during the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville last week announced more than 110 people will take on roles cleaning and protecting Melbourne’s suburban waterways, through the state government’s $500 million Working for Victoria fund.
The fund creates employment for people who have lost their jobs due to the impacts of coronavirus, while delivering community services.
Under the program, more than 90 employees will remove rubbish, undertake invasive weed management and improve vegetation along the Yarra, Maribyrnong and Werribee rivers, as well as throughout the Dandenong and Bayside regions.
The improvement works will be delivered in collaboration with the Yarra River Keeper Association, along with community groups and councils along urban waterways.
A recent series of litter clean-up events along the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers cleared almost 40 tonnes of rubbish from both rivers.
“Local rivers and creeks have become even more valuable in recent months, with people getting out of the house to exercise and get some fresh air – this will make them cleaner and healthier,” Ms Neville said,
“It’s great to see Working for Victoria making a big contribution to improving our waterways, while also keeping people in work through the coronavirus pandemic.”
The Working for Victoria program has placed almost 7000 workers in employment, since its launch in April.
The Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford said: “This is about creating jobs for Victorians and providing real benefits for our community.
“Working for Victoria has provided thousands of Victorians with employment and we’ll continue to support people who’ve been knocked around by the pandemic to get back earning a wage.”
People looking for work, and businesses searching for staff, can register with Working for Victoria at vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.
