Environment Minister Greg Hunt joined the Federal Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson MP, today to celebrate the work of a Green Army team in helping to protect western Sydney’s Cumberland Plain.
The graduation ceremony at the Australian Botanic Garden in Mt Annan marked the achievements of the group of young Australians who have spent six months working on the Cumberland Plain Green Army project.
“The team we’re celebrating today is yet another example of how the Green Army is making a real difference for the local environment and the community,” Minister Hunt said.
“Through their management, restoration and enhancement of the Cumberland Plain’s critically endangered ecological communities, these graduates have made a real difference to the area.”
Federal Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson, congratulated and thanked the young team.
“You have played an important part in ensuring the health and vitality of our environment. I wish you well as you now go on to build on the experience of your time in the Green Army.”
“The Green Army team has not only generated environmental benefits, they have also gained valuable practical training and experience to help them prepare for the future and improve their career opportunities.”
The project focussed on conservation management, restoration and enhancement of Cumberland Plain critically endangered ecological communities at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. It targeted both the Cumberland Plain Woodland and Western Sydney Dry Rainforest remnants, looking to achieve weed control and assist regeneration/replanting in degraded areas.
The Green Army team learnt specialised weed control techniques for use in sensitive bushland as well as seed collection and plant propagation.
The Green Army is a major Government commitment with more than $700 million budgeted over four years. It will become Australia's largest-ever team supporting environmental action across the country, building to around 15,000 young Australians by 2018.
This investment in the Green Army brings the Government's total investment in natural resource management to more than $2 billion over four years.
To find out about joining the Green Army or to apply for a project in round four, visit: www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy.
(ENDS)