Green Army joins Bushland Care groups' war on weeds

Noosa Bushland Care groups’ war on weeds has won some welcome reinforcement from the Green Army.

Green Army team members are in Noosa to support the Shire’s 20 Bushland Care groups until October.

Each week the Green Army team – made up of nine young participants aged 17 to 24 - visits a new site to support local volunteers’ efforts.

Green Army supervisor Duncan Struthers says Noosa Council Natural Areas Operational Coordinator Michael Lyons and Bushland Care Program Co-ordinator Leah Tearle have helped make the Green Army program a success.

“It has been very rewarding for the team to work alongside the Bushland Care volunteers and help them achieve their goals,” Mr Struthers said.

Council successfully applied for Green Army support on the Bushland Care groups’ behalf.

Green Army team members have been on the ground since May tackling weeds invading parks, reserves and beach dunes in this project, which was selected for its strong environmental and community benefits.

Service provider Landcare Australia, in partnership with recruitment expert Manpower, was assigned the Noosa Shire Council project as a successful Project Sponsor applicant in the federal government program.

Green Army team participants receive ongoing training towards a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management, while Manpower has offered participants ongoing training courses and the opportunity to link with Manpower recruitment networks.

Council welcomed the Green Army team members to town with a special morning tea today.

The federal government’s Green Army initiative provides opportunities for young Australians aged 17-24 to gain experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields and explore careers in conservation management, while participating in projects that deliver benefits for the environment.

15 July 2015