Green Army recruiting for Fraser Island environment restoration
8th March, 2016
A new Green Army project on Fraser Island is seeking enthusiastic 17-24 year olds to join what is fast becoming the largest-ever team of young Australians participating in practical environmental action across the country, Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss announced today. “Green Army projects are underway around the nation and young people who want to gain valuable skills, training and experience in environmental and conservation fields are encouraged to register their interest”, Mr Truss said.
“There have already been a number of successful projects completed around Wide Bay and I am pleased that another will soon be launched on Fraser Island. Service Providers are now recruiting young people for the Fraser Island project who want to gain skills while helping our community deliver important local conservation outcomes.”
This project is provided through Conservation Volunteers Australia and is hosted by Fraser Island Defenders Organisation Ltd.
Mr Truss said the commencement of Green Army projects on Fraser Island reflected the Federal Government’s appreciation for the special importance of the island, both locally and internationally.
The new Fraser Island Green Army project aims to address the proliferation of weed species on the Island, which have risen from 40 to around 200 species since its declaration as a World Heritage area. In addition 4WD vehicle travel has caused some displacement of sand and led to erosion issues in areas of the island.
“The projects will look to remediate weed and erosion issues at Indian Head as well as undertaking track work, weeds management and erosion control on the Great Walk. There will also be opportunities for seed collection and the revegetation of areas with Pandanus trees, to address damage caused by the Jamella Wasp. The intention is to boost biodiversity through propagating native species and removing weeds.”
“Green Army participants undertake accredited training and receive a Green Army allowance for the duration of their project. Participants work towards Certificate I or II qualifications or nationally endorsed skills set to help them prepare for the workforce and improve their career opportunities”, Mr Truss said.
Participation is open to Indigenous Australians, school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers aged between 17 and 24 years.
The Green Army is a key Coalition election commitment, and with more than $700 million committed over four years. The scheme encourages practical action to support local conservation projects across Australia, providing training to thousands of young Australians by 2018-2019.
“As the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island has a special place in the hearts of many locals and indeed, many Australians. I am very pleased that the Federal Government’s Green Army is moving forward on Fraser Island,” Mr Truss said.
Anyone interested in joining the Green Army can apply through the appointed Service Providers for each state and territory. Contact details for Service Providers are available from www.environment.gov.au/green-army
