A re-elected Coalition Government will deliver a new Green Army project for the Bass Coast and Powlett River Catchment. The project will be accompanied by $50,000 under the 20 Million Trees Programme for acquisition and planting of native trees with the Bass Coast Landcare Network.
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 project will:
Help to create vegetation corridors to create biolinks in the Bass Coast and the PowlettRiver Catchment;
Assist in the creation and protection of habitat for the threatened Southern BrownBandicoot, as well as predator proof fencing around the Holden Proving Ground; and
Remove priority weeds that are threatening biodiversity and replace with indigenousplants.
“This project will help to ensure that Powlett River Catchment is protected and threatened species’ habitats are strengthened,” Mr Broadbent said.
“The Green Army team will work in partnership with the Bass Coast Landcare Network 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 the Bass Coast Landcare Network in the delivery of the project,” Minister Hunt said.
“Russell is a great local member who regularly talks to me about the environmental needs of our neighbouring local communities. He should be congratulated for advocating for this project so strongly.”
The Green Army programme not only benefits the environment, but also provides participants with skills and experience which will support them in finding jobs or further education. To find out more about the Green Army visit: www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy