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

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Burdekin unemployed to join Green Army

A group of 12 Indigenous jobseekers from around Ayr will train and work with the Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation for 15 weeks as participants in the Bligh Government’s Green Army.

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said the organisation would receive $228,850 in State Government funding to organise the project.

“Participants will complete accredited training and gain practical experience protecting and restoring the natural environment and cultural heritage sites in the region,” Mr Fraser said.

“Completing these green work placements will be great experience for the participants and will build up the land management skills available in the community.

“Queensland’s Green Army will support 2300 paid work placements and 700 green traineeships over the next three years to help unemployed people develop skills to enhance our natural assets and tourism industry and encourage increased environmental awareness.”

Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Edward Smallwood said participants who join the project would have a lot of work ahead of them.

“The group will create an Aboriginal bush tucker garden, protect a midden site at Wunjunga, complete ongoing maintenance at burial sites and enhance the Barratta Wetlands,” Mr Smallwood said.

“They’ll be removing weeds, planting native species, repairing and building fences, and will complete qualifications in conservation and land management.

“We are hoping participants will be able to find ongoing work in land management as part of infrastructure projects in our region or with councils, businesses and industry.”

Unemployed people can check their eligibility and register their interest in joining Queensland’s Green Army by calling 1800 249 215 or visiting www.greenarmy.qld.gov.au.


Media contacts: Treasurer’s office – 3224 6361 or 3224 5982
                             Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation – 4783 7229

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