A re-elected Turnbull Government will deliver two new Green Army projects to protect threatened species in Alice Springs and Katherine.
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 $200,000 Green Army project, in Alice Springs, will:
• Build on a successful Green Army project completed in 2015 at the Alice Springs Desert Park through the construction of additional breeding spaces within enclosures for Mala in captivity, as the species is currently classified as extinct in the wild; and
• Help to increase population numbers of these listed threatened species to secure their long-term survival.
The second $200,000 project, in Katherine, will:
• Perform conservation activities towards protecting the Gouldian Finch, which is a listed endangered species;
• Conduct surveys in the wild to better understand Gouldian Finch’s population numbers and habitat areas, particularly in waterholes in and around Katherine ; and
• Gather improved information which will inform future work to preserve the species.
“This project will help to ensure that the Northern Territory’s local environment is protected and threatened species’ habitats are strengthened,” Ms MacFarlane 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 Lingiari, six Green Army projects have already been rolled-out – and ten projects are completed or underway across the Northern Territory.
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.
“I’m particularly pleased at the opportunity the Green Army provides for young Australians, in particular Indigenous Australians to work in the environment, to gain skills and to gain job opportunities,” Minister Scullion said.
“We will work with local government, local residents and community groups in the design of the projects,” Minister Hunt said.
“Tina MacFarlane is a great local candidate who recognises the environmental benefits that the Green Army will deliver. She should be congratulated for advocating so strongly for Lingiari.”
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: http://www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy