FEDERAL member for Page Kevin Hogan said the introduction of Green Army legislation in Parliament last week represented the delivery of another key election commitment.
“This program is an opportunity for young people aged between 17 and 24 to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields and explore careers in conservation management,” Mr Hogan said.
“We have already got approval for the volunteer program to run in Susan Island and Tabulum.”
“The Green Army will make a real difference to the environment and local communities through projects such as restoring and protecting habitat, weeding, planting, cleaning up creeks and rivers and restoring cultural heritage places.”
“In addition to that the participants will be paid an allowance and gain valuable skills in conservation management, teamwork and discipline in waking up each morning and committing to work.”
The national Green Army program will commence with a roll-out of 250 projects and about 2500 people undertaking on-the-ground environmental activities in the first year. It will grow to become Australia’s largest-ever environmental workforce with 15,000 participants by 2018.
Participation in the Green Army will be open to a diverse range of young people, including school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers.
The Australian Government will shortly be undertaking a tender process for Service Providers, who will engage the Green Army Teams, supervisors, manage activities to ensure projects are completed safely and report regularly on progress.
Participants will be eligible to receive a Green Army allowance and will also have the opportunity to undertake training. Team Supervisors will be paid a wage consistent with the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award.
