CAMPERDOWN has been cut by the state government’s efficiency knife with the town’s Department of Primary Industries branch to close and staff relocated.
About workers have been given the option of taking positions at the department’s offices in Warrnambool or Colac. It is understood Warrnambool’s role as a regional office will be expanded.
The moves are part of a streamlining program announced late yesterday by Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh.
Seven shopfronts, including Camperdown and Ararat, will close within the next 12 months, five metropolitan offices will be consolidated and three floors of the department’s headquarters in Melbourne’s CBD will also close.
“There will also be altered service delivery operations that will see DPI staff based in 15 DSE locations relocated to existing rural and regional DPI offices to better focus operations,” Mr Walsh said.
“The aim is to boost productivity of Victoria’a food and fibre sector at a time when global food demand is rising. It is important that DPI is in a position to deliver the most effective support, research and development to farmers as possible.”