New Green Army projects will boost Gympie flood recovery efforts
28th October, 2015
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss has announced that Green Army teams will carry out four projects aimed at rehabilitating flood-damaged land around Gympie.
The projects will be part of a special Natural Disaster Recovery Round of the Federal Government’s Green Army programme.
“Earlier this year, ex-tropical cyclone Marcia caused considerable flood damage within the Gympie region. I was particularly concerned to hear of the damage sustained to land, fencing and properties along the Mary River,” Mr Truss said.
“I am therefore greatly pleased to be able to announce the approval of these four Green Army projects, which will help restore and enhance the health of the Mary River and surrounding land within the Gympie region.
“A project will be undertaken along a 1.6km section of Deep Creek, immediately before it joins the Mary River in Gympie. Most of the existing flood debris will be cut into smaller pieces and removed, however some may be left in place and used in conjunction with coir matting, to reduce the flow of sediment from the river.
“A second project will employ a similar process of debris retrieval and erosion protection along an 800m section of embankment along the Mary River and Yabba Creek, downstream from the Gympie-Woolooga Road.
“A third project will work on stabilizing flood-damaged embankments within a 2.2km stretch of the Mary River, to protect against further impact from vehicles and pedestrians.
“This 2.2km stretch of the Mary River will be the site for the fourth project, which will see further improvements delivered through fencing, weed control and revegetation, including in-fill planting of native plants.”
Mr Truss said the Green Army projects were a terrific opportunity for young people in the local community.
“I would encourage young people in the Gympie region who are interested in helping the environment and gaining new skills to consider participating in these Green Army projects,” he said.
The Programme encourages practical action to support local environmental projects, and prepare young Australians for the workforce, with training provided to up to 15,000 young Australians by 2018.
The Green Army is a key Government commitment with more than $700 million budgeted over four years.
Further opportunities to join a Green Army project can be found online at www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy.
