A re-elected Turnbull Government will invest $1.2 million for a Mayo Local Environment Plan, which includes:
• Two new Green Army projects for the Lower Lakes and the Adelaide Hills
• $100,000 in funding through the Solar Communities Programme for local community groups to install solar and battery storage
• $500,000 to help make Kangaroo Island feral cat free by 2020
• $200,000 for the Lower Lakes under the 20 Million Trees Programme.
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.
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 first Green Army project will:
• Rejuvenate the important wetlands of the Lower Lakes region;
• Support these Ramsar listed wetlands and improve habitat for local threatened bird and plant species; and
• Strengthen local environment by removal of invasive species and planting of native species.
The second project will:
• Support important environmental areas in the Adelaide Hills, including Mt Lofty Ranges;
• Improve habitat for local threatened species including the Southern Brown Bandicoot; and
• Strengthen local environment by removal of invasive species and planting of native species.
“These projects will help to ensure that Mayo’s local areas and environment are protected and threatened species’ habitats are strengthened,” Mr Briggs said.
The Green Army team will work in partnership with local community groups to deliver the projects.
“I look forward to joining with the communities in the Lower Lakes and Adelaide Hills to witness first-hand the benefits and improvements made to our local environment through the Green Army’s activities,” Mr Briggs said.
“”The two of us have had a joint commitment to the health of the Lower Lakes for almost a decade now.”
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 Mayo, 16 Green Army projects have already been rolled-out – and 50 projects are completed or underway across South Australia.
The work of the Green Army will be complemented with $200,000 over three years under the 20 Million Trees Programme. Trees will be acquired from community nurseries in the local area.
“Jamie Briggs is a great local member who regularly talks to me about the environmental needs of his local community. He 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.
“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.
“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,” Mr Briggs said.
The Coalition is also taking action to protect threatened species in Mayo.
Kangaroo Island is set to become one of the world’s largest inhabited islands free of feral cats under a community-driven plan to make the island a safe haven for wildlife by 2020.
Under a re-elected Turnbull Government, funding of $500,000 will be provided to the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board to kickstart on-ground action to tackle feral cats.
Kangaroo Island joins Bruny Island, French Island, Dirk Hartog Island and Christmas Island on the Australian Government’s list of five priority islands – announced today – aiming to become feral cat free by 2020.
To find out more about the Green Army visit: www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy
Solar and battery project proposals from community organisations in community organisation or local government owned buildings can be made by 20 June 2016 by contacting Jamie.briggs.mp@aph.gov.au for a project proposal form.