Green Army a tool for young job-seekers

AUGUST 3, 2015: YOUNG people looking for jobs are urged to consider joining the Green Army and groups with ideas for projects should come forward as applications for Round 4 of the program are now open.We’ve had some great projects undertaken locally by the Green Army, which is a program which benefits both the environment and young people keen to gain some more skills which might lead to permanent jobs. Participants aged between 17 and 24 will be able to undertake accredited training such as work readiness, conservation and land management, heritage conservation, project and human resource management and heritage trade skills. They will be supported to obtain Certificate I or II qualifications or nationally endorsed skills to help them prepare for the workforce or improve their career opportunities, and they’ll also receive a Green Army allowance while they do so.Community organisations, Landcare groups, natural resource management organisations, environment groups, Indigenous organisations, local councils and others should also consider nominating for a new Green Army project that has a clear focus on conservation of the environment or National or World Heritage places.Round Four of the Green Army will consist of two streams. Stream 1 will focus on heritage projects that promote, protect and conserve Australia’s National and World Heritage which are listed for their natural, historic or Indigenous values.Stream 2 will focus on projects that directly support the protection and recovery of threatened species, particularly actions for improving habitat. There will be a particular focus on projects that address threats to the Great Barrier Reef.Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, said the Green Army would become Australia’s largest team supporting environmental action, building to 15,000 young Australians by 2018.“Right across Australia, the Green Army is making a real difference to the environment and local communities through projects such as restoring and protecting habitat, weeding, planting, cleaning up creeks and rivers and restoring cultural heritage places,” Minister Hunt said.The Green Army is a major Government commitment with more than $700 million budgeted over four years.This investment in the Green Army brings the Government's total investment in natural resource management to more than $2 billion over four years.Applications for projects under Round Four of the programme are now open and will close at 2pm AEST (Canberra time) on Wednesday, 16 September 2015.For more information about eligibility, project guidelines and application forms go to www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy.