MORE than 350 Green Army projects are set to be rolled out across Australia following the announcement of successful projects for Round 2 of this important environmental programme.
“I’m very pleased that Far North Queensland will be hosting a number of Green Army projects,” Mr Entsch said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our local young people to gain valuable paid work experience, and benefits the environment at the same time.”
Combined with those announced in round one, 548 Green Army projects have now been announced across Australia. Applications for Round 3 Green Army projects are now open until 17 March 2015.
Green Army projects to be rolled out soon in Leichhardt include:
• $7850 for Douglas Shire Council’s Mossman Gorge Hiptage Vine control project:
The project will engage the local community by developing skills and providing hands-on experience to help protect the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park from increasing weed threats. The project will use various natural resource management techniques to help protect the local environment.
• $80,000 for Choice Australia to carry out two four-stage projects focusing on propagation of indigenous plants and bush tucker:
The project will design, plan and construct a large greenhouse to propagate indigenous plants. The Green Army team will have the opportunity to learn about native plant species, how to collect and propagate seeds and the Indigenous heritage and cultural knowledge about native plant species.
Concurrently, a second project will design, plan and construct a large bush tucker garden. Young people will have the opportunity to learn about bush tucker and understand how it provides a connection to country. Choice Australia is a Cairns-based organisation that develops practical activities for disadvantaged and disengaged learners, increasing their self-esteem and life skills and strengthening communities.
• $29,000 for the Wet Tropics Management Authority for pest management and weed control projects between Leichhardt and Kennedy:
The projects, in areas adjoining the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, will establish bait stations to control yellow crazy ants, provide weed control in riparian areas, and carry out yellow crazy ant pest surveys.
“The Green Army gives young Australians aged 17-24 years an opportunity to gain training and experience in environmental and conservation fields and explore careers in conservation management, while taking part in projects that generate real benefits for the Australian environment,” Mr Entsch said.
“Young people in Leichhardt now have the opportunity to be a part of one of these projects and help our community deliver important local conservation outcomes.
“Around Australia, the Green Army has been an incredible success story for both the environment and those involved. All participants have received training and many already have jobs lined up for when their project finishes.”
Applications are also now open for community organisations, environment groups and local councils in the Far North to come forward with new projects for Round 3 of the Green Army.
“Green Army project activities could involve restoring and protecting native habitat, weeding, revegetation, cleaning up waterways, creeks and rivers, fencing, gully remediation, preventing erosion, protecting and conserving heritage places and values, or monitoring and surveying on Indigenous and non-Indigenous lands.”
Further information for young people, project guidelines, details on service providers and the application form is available here
