Bidjigal Reserve Green Army Project

Bidjigal Reserve will become home to one of the first Green Army projects to be supported in Australia under the Coalition’s Green Army Plan.

Federal Shadow Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, and Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke, said that if a Coalition Government were elected, the Bidjigal Reserve project would be one of the first to benefit from funding under the Green Army Plan.

Mr Hunt said the Green Army would provide teams of ten young Australians who will work on local community-based environmental projects for six month periods as part of a new Coalition program.

“This is a really positive program that will deliver significant training and practical experience in the vital area of environmental management,” Mr Hunt said.

“The Bidjigal Reserve Green Army Project will provide enormous environmental benefits as well as vocational training for our emerging workforce.”

The project’s aims are to remove weeds and undergrowth from surrounding walking tracks and bushland bordering onto nearby housing.

“This is an opportunity for local young people to gain valuable employment experience, while improving our precious local environment,” Mr Hawke said.

“The Coalition’s Green Army will help sites like Bidjigal Reserve and our local communities to gain the combined benefits of training, experience and environmental gain.  Environmental workers would help local youngsters overcome employment barriers and deliver a positive contribution to the community.

“I am delighted that we have secured one of the first Green Army projects for Mitchell. This is about jobs and training for ten young people.  It is also about creating an environmental benefit that everyone can enjoy.”

Mr Hunt said the Green Army plan had first been unveiled by Liberal Leader Tony Abbott earlier this year.  Under a Coalition Government, the scheme would start in July 2011.  Teams of ten young workers will be deployed on specific projects for six month periods.