The Green Army reached a significant milestone today with 100 projects on the ground around Australia.
Young people across the country are taking part in important environmental and conservation activities, while at the same time receiving training and qualifications.
The benefits from the projects underway are already evident. We are 100 projects in and we are seeing significant improvements to local environments.
We are also hearing positive stories such as young people going on to find employment in environmental fields. Community organisations are applying for more projects due to the success of their first project. Locals are impressed by the improvements in their environment. And team leaders are providing a positive mentoring role to young people.
We’ve heard first hand from participants how much they are enjoying the work with their team, that they are learning new skills and creating a pathway for themselves while improving the environment.
Green Army participants receive an allowance, training in first aid, and are eligible to gain Certificate I or II qualifications in areas such as land management, park management, landscaping or horticulture or nationally endorsed skills set to support them in their future career prospects.
Across Australia there is already a great variety of projects underway, and more projects will continue to be rolled out.
In Western Australia a team is revegetating stretches of the Collie River; in South Australia a team is working with Indigenous groups to undertake pest plant and animal management; and in Tasmania a team is regenerating a degraded wetland to allow wildlife to return to the site.
In Victoria a team is protecting endangered species and ecological communities at Warrnambool; in Queensland a team is restoring rainforest areas in Bundaberg; and in New South Wales teams are creating corridors to restore high conservation sites across the north-eastern coast.
And now, more than 350 new projects are set to roll out in every state and territory across the country as part of Round 2 of the Green Army programme. Young Australians with an interest in practical environmental projects are encouraged to join.
Applications are now also now open for Round 3 Green Army projects and community groups across the country can apply until 17 March 2015.
Further information on the Green Army is available online at www.environment.gov.au/green-army
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