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

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Queensland’s Green Army coming to Cherbourg

Five Indigenous jobseekers will gain hands-on experience and benefit green enterprises in Cherbourg through work placements with the Bligh Government’s Green Army.

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said Skill Centred Queensland has been awarded $63,360 to run the project in partnership with Cherbourg Council.

“These Green Army participants will be paid for 14 weeks work either creating a new community garden or gaining farm skills at the Cherbourg cattle station,” Mr Fraser said.

“This is just one of a raft of Green Army projects currently being rolled out around the state as part of a $57 million election commitment to create 3000 green jobs for Queenslanders over the next three years.

“Disadvantaged, recently retrenched, young and long-term unemployed people will gain paid work, on-the-job training and vital skills for the future through 2300 green work placements and 700 green traineeships.”

Skill Centred chief executive officer Gerry Crotty said three of the participants would develop a market garden that will grow fresh food for the whole community.

“The five-acre plot will be planned, prepared, irrigated, fenced and filled with vegetables which will either be sold or donated to community organisations such as the aged care facility,” Mr Crotty said.

“The other two participants will gain skills in land management at the Cherbourg cattle station, where they will undertake fencing, land mapping, weed management and water conservation activities and learn how to use farm machinery.

“All participants will undertake training that is relevant to their work placement 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
                              Skill Centred Queensland – 5489 9777

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