Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt yesterday joined the Federal Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson, 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,” Mr 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.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“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.”[/social_quote]
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.
The Australian Government is calling for more local people to join the Green Army to work on local projects in Macarthur.
Applications for projects under round four of the program will close at 2pm on Wednesday, September 16.
“We want local people to join the Green Army to work on local projects in our community, and we want local groups to come forward with ideas for projects—but you must be quick as time is running out,” Mr Matheson said.
“[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]Community organisations, Landcare groups, natural resource management organisations, environment groups, Indigenous organisations, local councils and others can now nominate for a new Green Army project that has a clear focus on conservation of the environment or national or world heritage places.[/social_quote]
“For young Australians aged between 17 and 24, joining the Green Army means you’ll receive valuable practical experience and training while undertaking work that will improve the environment in our local community.”
Round Four of the Green Army will consist of two streams. Stream 1 will focus on heritage projects that promote, protect and conserve Australia’s National and World Heritage which are listed for their natural, historic or Indigenous values.
Stream 2 will focus on projects that directly support the protection and recovery of threatened species, particularly actions for improving habitat.
For more information about Round 4 including eligibility, project guidelines and application form and the full schedule of community information sessions visit the Green Army website.
