Coalition’s Green Army to support Mary River
9th August, 2010
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, today announced that a Coalition Government would provide up to $125,000 to support local efforts to restore the banks of the Mary River, through the Coalition’s Green Army program.The Mary River Green Army project will be undertaken by the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee.
“The Green Army will assist in the re-vegetation of stream banks at up to 25 sites near Traveston. The project will be undertaken in partnership with local community groups and land owners,” Mr Truss said.
“Shadow Environment Minister, Greg Hunt understands the needs of the Mary Valley, having visited and listened to the concerns of Mary River organisations throughout the campaign to stop the dam. Mr Hunt is pleased to support the real action to help the Mary River that will be undertaken in this project.”
The Traveston Crossing dam debacle highlighted the need for work to be done to help sustain the river and protect its endangered and threatened species.
“When Environment Minister Peter Garrett rejected the Bligh Labor Government’s proposed dam, he promised that the Commonwealth would provide a recovery package and help rehabilitate the Mary River,” Mr Truss said.
“Mr Garrett never delivered on his promise, and instead approved a pipeline that will allow 8,000 megalitres of Mary River water to be piped to Brisbane every year. In contrast, the Coalition’s Green Army announcement demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to supporting efforts to conserve the Mary River and protect its threatened and endangered species.
“Labor talks up their environmental credentials, but the reality is that Labor cut $1 billion in funding for environmental programs, including Landcare and catchment management activities, slashed rebates for solar panels and has overseen wasteful green loans and home insulation programs.
“Julia Gillard’s proposed 150 member committee on climate change is in stark contrast to the real action that the Coalition will take to reduce emissions, plant trees and invest in renewable energy.” Mr Truss said.
The Green Army is an employment and training program, creating an environmental workforce that can target our most degraded areas and assist the existing work currently being carried out by local Landcare and Coastcare volunteers.
“The Green Army is a practical policy that will deliver real outcomes. It will build on the success of the former Coalition Government’s popular Green Corps program by providing more Australians with the opportunity to pursue environmental regeneration as a vocation.”
