Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
The Honourable Andrew Fraser

Friday, July 03, 2009

Green Army to invade Gold Coast

A group of 30 Gold Coast jobseekers will join Queensland’s Green Army to work on three environmental projects in Southport, Burleigh and Nerang worth almost $500,000.

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser – who will join Premier Anna Bligh, their Cabinet colleagues and senior public servants at this weekend’s Community Cabinet meeting on the coast – said the Gold Coast City Council would run the three projects.

“The Bligh Government made a commitment during this year’s election campaign to create 100,000 new jobs this term and our Green Army initiative is part of that pledge,” Mr Fraser said.

“The Gold Coast City Council has received a grant of $487,750 from the State Government to recruit workers for three Green Army projects.

“These projects will help protect and rehabilitate Queensland’s world-class natural heritage while developing the workers’ skills.

“These participants will upgrade and improve the William Duncan State School at Highland Park, the Burleigh Christian Youth Camp and the Southport Broadwater Parklands.”

Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said the Green Army’s work would contribute to the Southport Broadwater Parklands master plan and help create a more natural landscape for recreation, family activities and cultural events.

“With the help of the Green Army, the Parklands will become one of Australia’s great foreshore parks and provide a popular destination for the community,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Participants will also receive specific training opportunities including qualifications in horticulture, traffic control and senior first aid.”

Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said the 70-year-old Christian Youth Camp in Burleigh would also be upgraded, with repair works and refurbishments expected to be carried out at the camp site on existing decking, stairs, verandahs and landscaping to prevent erosion and help drainage.

“The camp is located on the edge of the Burleigh Head National Park with access to local beaches, and welcomes people of all ages from all over Australia,” she said.

“This initiative will help improve the facilities and enhance visitors’ camping experience.”

At the William Duncan State School, the main focus will be to provide safer access into the school. Visitors and school children are currently required to access the school via extremely steep cement stairs and must be supervised by a teacher to ensure that no accidents occur.

"The Green Army will replace these steps, as well as improve landscaping to reduce erosion and drainage difficulties," Mr Fraser said.

Media contacts:  Minister’s Office – 3224 6361 or 3224 5982 
                               Member for Southport – 5532 5068 
                               Member for Burleigh – 5526 6024

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