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

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Cairns jobseekers join Queensland’s Green Army

Fifteen Cairns jobseekers who have been out of work will soon don Queensland’s Green Army uniform and improve their long-term job prospects.

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said the Bligh Government had provided more than $188,000 to Choice Australia Management to run a Green Army project in the Cairns area.

“This project is just one of many Green Army projects across the state that will beautify our environment, invest in our fledgling industries and create 3000 jobs,” Mr Fraser said.

“It is one of 21 Green Army projects worth almost $5.4 million that have now been approved throughout Queensland.”

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said the jobseekers recruited for the Green Army project in Cairns would be hosted with the Cairns Regional Council for 18 weeks of paid work.

“The participants will work on a range of projects such as local parks, gardens, bike paths, the Red Arrow walking track and Cattana Wetlands,” Ms Boyle said.

“Not only will they be earning money and improving their confidence, but they will be acquiring new skills in horticulture, gardening and landscaping.

“An important bonus is that the community will also benefit from the improvements made to their local recreation areas.”

Choice Australia Management’s chief executive officer Todd Hartley said the 15 Green Army recruits would join the project over two intakes, with the first group expected to start in early August.

“Apart from their paid work, they will each have their skills assessed, will have their individual training needs determined and will have a learning plan developed,” Mr Hartley said.

“We will also help them with job preparation, including training in how to search for appropriate jobs, personal presentation, interview techniques and basic computer skills.”

For further information on the Green Army, visit www.greenarmy.qld.gov.au or call 1800 249 215.


Media contacts: Treasurer’s office – 3224 6361 or 3224 5982
                              Member for Cairns – 4051 2868
                              Choice Australia Management – 4042 7904

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