ment has bypassed the

Pyrenees and Central

Goldfields shires to

provide $4 million in

support for drought-

affected communities

in north-west Victoria.

The one-off package

will provide assistance

to a number of shires

throughout the north-

west, recognising the

impact of the poor

crops in that region in

past years.

Central Goldfields

Shire chief executive

officer Mark Johnston

admitted assistance

would be welcomed in

some areas of the shire,

particularly to the

north and west of

Maryborough.

"It's been a bit of a

mixed bag here to be

honest," Mr Johnston

said.

"Some areas are quite

sound, where other

areas are very dry. Not

a lot has changed in

the past few years."

Mr Johnston said the

Central Goldfields

Shire Council had not

sought assistance from

the State Government.

The package, which

was released at Birchip

yesterday, includes

$3.2 million for com

munity infrastructure

projects and around

$800,000 to continue the

work of community de

velopment officers un

til December.

The officers provide

food relief to families

in need and training

for workers in drought-

affected communities.

Minister for Agricul

ture Bob Cameron met

representatives from

north-west councils

three weeks ago.

"The councils re

quested support for in

frastructure in small

communities that has

social benefits, so

there can be a com

munity focus for the

future," Mr Cameron

said.

The shires to benefit

from the package are

Buloke, Horsham, Mil

dura, Swan Hill,

Northern Grampians,

West Wimmera,

Hindmarsh and

Yarriambiack.

"Each council will re

ceive $400,000 for pro

jects such as maintain

ing sporting and com

munity facilities,

streetscape works and

upgrading public infra

structure," Mr Cam

eron said.