Green Corps Projects For Darwin

Member for Solomon, David Tollner MP announced today that a team of volunteers will take part in two new projects around Darwin as part of the Australian Government's Green Corps programme.

"These young people are among hundreds around Australia who are participating in Green Corps – a programme which gives young Australians the opportunity to be actively involved in positive environmental work and contribute to the restoration of our cultural, natural and built heritage,” Mr Tollner said.

One project will involve the reforestation and protection of the Rapid Creek corridor, a unique fresh water creek that runs year round through the suburbs of Darwin City. The corridor has been damaged over time through fires resulting from high levels of weed growth after the wet season.

"Green Corps volunteers will be involved in removing existing weeds, reconstructing fences to reduce unwanted access, native tree planting, creation and installation of interpretive signage and undertaking a number of flora and fauna surveys.”

Another Green Corps project aims to enhance the environment through the creation of an Arboretum displaying a range of food, medicinal and other traditionally-used plants. Greening Australia, community elders and Larrakia land management staff will work together to plan and design the Arboretum which will include research into Aboriginal plant use in the Darwin region.

"The project will promote seed collection, cleaning, storage and propagation of native plants at Larrakia Nation nursery, the creation of walkways and garden beds, installation of irrigation and planting of native bush food and medicinal plants,” Mr Tollner said.

Green Corps celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and since the Australian Government introduced the programme in 1997, more than 18 000 young Australians have benefited from participating in the six-month programme.

"To date Green Corps participants have propagated and planted more than 14 million trees, collected more than 9500 kilograms of native seeds, completed more than 5000 animal or plant surveys, hosted more than 1000 community field days and have erected more than 8000 kilometres of fencing,” Mr Tollner said.

"One of the benefits of being part of Green Corps includes improved career and employment prospects as well as work experience and personal development opportunities. Participants also receive accredited training in modules related to the project on which they are working such as horticulture, conservation and land management practices and building and construction.”

Green Corps participants receive an allowance of $291 each week. For more information visit the Green Corps website at www.greencorps.gov.au

2007-08-24