Young people in the Bendigo electorate will be among the first 17 to 24 year olds to join the Australian Government’s Green Army and become part of the largest environmental movement in Australia’s history, Nationals Senator, Bridget McKenzie, said.
“The first round of Green Army projects have been announced, to start in the 2014-15 financial year, and I’m pleased to announce the Bald Hill Conservation project near Bendigo will host a Green Army project team,” she said.
The Green Army will undertake conservation and fauna monitoring activities in an ecologically diverse reserve outside Kyneton. Activities will include weed control, revegetation and fencing to improve the condition of the site's native vegetation. The team will also contribute to Council's program of environmental monitoring by using nest boxes, wildlife cameras and pest animal surveys.
“The Green Army provides opportunities for young Australians to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields and explore careers in conservation management, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for the Australian environment,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Participants will receive a Green Army allowance for the duration of their project, and will also be supported to obtain Certificate I or II qualifications or nationally endorsed skills set to help them prepare for the workforce or improve their career opportunities.”
With $525 million budgeted over four years, the Green Army is one of the Government's major environmental initiatives that encourages practical, grassroots action to support local environment and heritage conservation projects nationally while providing training to 15,000 young Australians by 2018.
The Green Army brings the Government's total investment in natural resource management to more than $2 billion over four years.
Young Australians 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