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

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Green Army troops to revegetate Gympie sites

The Bligh Government’s Green Army will soon be deployed on the banks of the Mary River, conserving the area and employing 10 local jobseekers.

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said the Gympie and District Landcare Group would coordinate the project with the help of a $135,770 State Government grant.

“Green Army projects are designed to enhance our natural assets, strengthen our tourism industry and support jobseekers and recently retrenched workers,” Mr Fraser said.

“Over the next three years, 2300 work placements and 700 traineeships will be rolled out across the state to give jobseekers paid work and green skills.

“Participants on this project will undertake a variety of tasks including bank revegetation, weed control and construction.”

Gympie Landcare’s General Manager Kevin Dailly said the river bank at Excelsior Reserve in Gympie would be revegetated after recent flooding.

“This will involve infill planting with native vegetation and weed removal,” Mr Dailly said.

“Other planned works include brush cutting and weed removal at Tozer Gully, The Willows and Commissioner’s Gully, and revegetation next to the Gympie Country Music Muster site at Amamoor.

“Participants will also work at the Gympie showgrounds to construct a storage shed and an awning and install drainage and retaining walls, as well as plant native trees.

“The work will be complemented by accredited training in horticulture, conservation and land management through the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE.

“Participants will also receive job search assistance including help to develop resumes, write job applications and prepare for interviews.”

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 
                             Gympie and District Landcare Group – 5483 8866

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