The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Minister for the Environment
Michelle Blicavs
Liberal Candidate for Cunningham
Dr Carolyn Currie
Liberal Candidate for Whitlam
A re-elected Turnbull Government will deliver a new Green Army project for Lake Illawarra and Wollongong.
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:
• Monitor known feeding, nesting, and breeding sites of the Curlew Sandpiper and Eastern Curlew in the Lake Illawarra and Wollongong area
• Protect and restore habitat for these local threatened birds as well as protect the threatened White-flowered wax plant (Cynanchum elegans)
• Restore natural habitat areas through the removal of environmental weeds and invasive species and replacing with native species
“This project will help to ensure that Cunningham’s local areas and environment are protected and threatened species’ habitats are strengthened,” Ms Blicavs said.
“The Green Army provides an invaluable contribution in preserving the local amenity as well offering unique opportunities for our youth,” Dr Currie said.
“The Green Army team 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 Cunningham, seven Green Army projects have already been rolled-out – and 250 projects are completed or underway across New South Wales.
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.
“Michelle Blicavs and Carolyn Currie are great local candidates who recognise the environmental benefits that the Green Army will deliver. They should be congratulated for advocating so strongly for their local areas.”
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