A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will deliver $2.1 million in funding for Greening the West of Melbourne – Stage 2.
This will include an additional 10 Green Army projects to re-establish green areas across Melbourne’s West, as well as $100,000 towards community solar grants.
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.
Ten new Green Army teams, costing approximately $200,000 each, will work to improve the extent, condition and connectivity of vegetation across Melbourne’s west and north-west, including in the electorates of Maribyrnong, Calwell, Wills, Gellibrand, Gorton and Lalor.
A re-elected Turnbull Government will also help community groups in the electorate of Maribyrnong by providing $100,000 towards the cost of installing solar and battery storage.
Green Army
A new project in Tullamarine will:
• Provide support and perform conservation works for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot at Woodlands Historic Park;
• Restore and improve habitat for this threatened species, as well as conduct surveys, improve fencing and control pest animals; and
• Improve population numbers of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot contributing to the long term strategy of release back into the wild.
A new project in Maribyrnong will:
• Build on the existing work performed by Green Army teams at Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek to further improve and restore habitat;
• Perform revegetation works, including removal of invasive species and planting of native species; and
• Protect and further rehabilitate local Ecologically Vulnerable Communities, as well as nationally listed threatened and migratory species.
A further eight Green Army projects will be designed in conjunction with local community groups, local council and local residents.
“These projects will help to ensure that the environment of Melbourne’s West is improved,” Minister for Vocational Education and Skills and Liberal Senator for Victoria Senator the Hon Scott Ryan said.
“The Green Army teams will work in partnership with local community groups to deliver the projects.”
The Green Army has been a huge success with 1145 projects announced nationally and more than 700 projects already rolled out in urban, rural and remote areas.
In Victoria, 114 Green Army projects have already been completed or are currently underway.
The Green Army is a hands-on, practical environmental action programme that supports local communities to undertake environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia while offering participants valuable skills and practical experience.
“We will work with local government, local residents and community groups in the design of the projects,” Minister Hunt said.
This announcement adds to the Coalition Government’s existing $6 million commitment to plant one million trees in Melbourne’s West.
Solar
A re-elected Turnbull Government will help community groups in the electorate of Maribyrnong to lower their power bills and play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions by providing $100,000 towards the cost of installing solar.
Among the recipients, East Keilor Sporting Club will receive $15,000 to assist with the cost of installing solar and battery storage.
The 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 also be able to apply for funding of up to $15,000,” Minister Hunt said.
“Around 350 community groups are expected to benefit from the expanded program, with $5 million available.”
“Unlike Labor, the Coalition is committed to tackling climate change without hiking up power bills for community groups, families and businesses and putting Australian jobs at risk,” Minister Hunt said.
Only a re-elected Turnbull Government will continue to create sustainable, liveable, healthy communities in Melbourne’s West for future generations.
To find out more about the Green Army visit: www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy
To find out more about the 20 Million Trees Programme visit: www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees