Young Australians from across Western Sydney are beginning to see the results of their hard work as part of the Australian Government’s Green Army programme.
The Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, and Federal Member for Banks, David Coleman, praised the work of the young locals when they visited two Green Army teams working on the Salt Pan Creek in Padstow and Peakhurst today.
“The Salt Pan Creek teams are working hard to rehabilitate the creek and enhance local aquatic ecosystems,” Mr Hunt said.
“The teams are restoring the health of the creek through litter removal and revegetation. These activities are helping to protect threatened species and endangered ecological communities.
“At the same time these young people are also learning valuable work skills that will help them in their future careers.”
Federal Member for Banks, David Coleman, said the projects were providing vital support to the nearby internationally significant Towra Ramsar Wetland.
“These Green Army teams are not only helping to benefit their local environment and community, but also contributing to connectivity of environments that are globally important,” Mr Coleman said.
“These projects are providing participants with the opportunity to get involved with the natural heritage of their local community while gaining practical experience and training that will make a real difference to their futures.”
“The Green Army is about local people and local projects. It is a key Government commitment with more than $700 million budgeted over four years.”
Green Army projects run for six months and provide an opportunity for 17-24 year olds to train and work in the environment.
The Government is calling for local projects such as those focussed on restoring native vegetation, heritage restoration, protecting animal habitats and regenerating wetlands in urban, rural and remote areas.
Applications for projects under Round 4 of the Green Army programme are now open, closing at 2pm AEST (Canberra time) on Wednesday, 16 September 2015.
Further details on the programme are available at the Green Army website www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy.
(ENDS)