A re-elected Turnbull Government will invest $310,000 for a Macquarie Local Environment Plan.
This includes a new Green Army project for the Windsor Downs, $100,000 in funding through the Solar Communities Programme for local community groups to install solar and battery storage and $10,000 towards rebuilding infrastructure at the Winmalee Girl Guides at Yellow Rock.
These investments are part of the Coalition’s policy to support our local communities and environments by investing in the protection of threatened species, parks, nature reserves, coastal and river areas and supporting renewables.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Louise Markus, was joined by Environment Minister Greg Hunt to announce that the Springwood-Winmalee Girl Guides in Yellow Rock which will share in $100,000 towards installing solar and battery storage systems.
The Green Army provides opportunities for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience which will assist them in the future to find jobs, while generating real benefits for the local environment.
The new Green Army Project will:
• Rejuvenate Hawkesbury River tributaries including South/Wianamatta Creek, Rickabys Creek and local environmental areas in Windsor Downs including Windsor Downs Nature Reserve;
• Remove African Lovegrass, Mother-of-Millions and other invasive weed species; and
• Improve riverbanks, help prevent erosion and improve threatened species habitat areas by replanting with native species.
The Green Army team will work in partnership with local community groups to deliver the project.
“This project builds on a successful record of projects to support the local environment in Macquarie including the clearing of weeds from Bushells Lagoon at Wilberforce, re-establishing 18,000 more native plants on Shaw’s Island at Yarramundi and controlling weeds on remnant Cumberland Plain Bushland at the Hawkesbury campus of Western Sydney University,” Ms Markus said.
“I look forward to joining with the communities in Windsor Downs to witness first-hand the benefits and improvements made to our local environment through the Green Army’s activities.”
The Green Army has been a huge success with 1,145 projects announced nationally and more than 700 projects already rolled out in urban, rural and remote areas.
In Macquarie, 14 Green Army projects have already been rolled-out – and 250 projects are completed or underway across New South Wales.
“Louise Markus is a great local member who regularly talks to me about the environmental needs of his local community. She should be congratulated for advocating for these projects so strongly,” Minister Hunt said.
The Coalition also recognises the important role community and household solar plays in Australia’s transition to a low emissions economy with an increase in renewable energy.
“The Coalition’s Solar Communities Program will provide funding for groups across Australia to install rooftop solar PV, solar hot water and battery storage systems for community owned buildings.
“Community organisations such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will be able to apply for funding of up to $15,000 through the Solar Communities Programme,” Minister Hunt said.
Around 350 community groups nationwide are expected to benefit from the expanded program, with $5 million available.
“The Springwood-Winmalee Girl Guides and the 1st Hawkesbury Scouts Group Richmond will each receive up to $15,000 towards installing solar PV and battery storage, helping them lower electricity bills,” Ms Markus said
“Solar provides practical support to local community organisations, and will help in cutting electricity costs while having a positive effect on the environment.”
“I am pleased that local organisations have taken up this opportunity.”
“The Springwood-Winmalee Girl Guides will also receive $10,000 to replace their shed and an outdoor awning which was sadly lost in the 2013 bushfires.”
“I congratulate the Springwood Winmalee Girl Guides Brigade – leaders, parents and volunteers – on their ongoing mentoring and commitment to providing opportunities and encouraging local young women.”