FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says the Green Army will be working hard in Cairns over the next year following the announcement of eleven successful projects.
The projects range from helping to preserve the Great Barrier Reef by improving water quality, to weed removal, and surveying and controlling yellow crazy ants.
Mr Entsch said: “This is a great opportunity for young people aged 17 to 24 to gain skills, training and experience in environmental and conservation fields, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for the Australian environment.
“These projects, sponsored by Conservation Volunteers Australia and the Wet Tropics Management Authority, are expected to commence in the coming months.
“Young people from the Cairns region will have the opportunity to be a part of some of the Australian Government’s major environmental initiatives that are helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef, and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
“The yellow crazy ant work in particular will help to provide us with information on the range of initiatives we need to be undertaking to more comprehensively address the very real environmental and economic threats that are posed by this invasive pest.”
Those interested in joining these Green Army projects can apply through Conservation Volunteers Australia’s Cairns branch on 07 4032 0844.
The Green Army is a hands-on, practical environmental action programme that supports local environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia.
Further information on the programme is available at: www.environment.gov.au/green-army.