May 6, 2015
Pristine areas of the Far East Gippsland coastline will be protected from impacts of Sea Spurge under a new Green Army project funded by the Australian Government.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the coastal dune enhancement and protection project would start in the coming weeks and he encouraged eligible young people to sign up to join the Green Army.
Participation is open to a diverse range of young people, including indigenous Australians, school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers. Participants must be aged between 17 and 24 years and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
“The great thing about the Green Army is that it provides tangible environmental outcomes and gives young people a skill that they can then use later in life to obtain full-time employment,” Mr Chester said.
“And these skills don’t just extend to a career in the environment or conservation sector. Young people in the Green Army obtain vital soft skills such as teamwork, effective communication and building confidence, which are important for any job.
“The transformation we have seen in the participants of other Green Army projects in Gippsland has been impressive.”
Mr Chester said the coastal dune enhancement and protection project would be overseen by Conservation Volunteers Australia and sponsored by Parks Victoria.
“The coastline is environmentally very significant and is home to rare and threatened species,” he said.
“To have been able to obtain federal funding to help protect this coastline is a significant outcome.”
Conservation Volunteers Australia is now recruiting for the project.
Participants are 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.
Young people interested in participating in the program should contact 1800 780 730, or email GreenArmy@environment.gov.au