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

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

5000 trees to green up water park in the Bay

The Bligh Government’s Green Army will help plant and maintain up to 5000 trees along the Hervey Bay Esplanade in preparation for the opening of the Hervey Bay Education Water Park in Pialba later this year.

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said the Green Army would work with local organisations to plant the trees and educate the community about the importance of water conservation.

“Community Solutions has received $189,960 to give 10 long-term unemployed Hervey Bay people paid work through Green work placement projects which will run for 24 weeks,” Mr Fraser said.

“These work placements will be hosted by the Fraser Coast Regional Council, which also incorporates the Wide Bay Water Corporation, in cooperation with Wide Bay TAFE.

“Queensland Green Army work placements enhance the state’s natural assets, strengthen the tourism industry and promote increased environmental awareness.

“This is just one of many projects that will be developed statewide over the next three years as part of the Bligh Government’s $57 million election commitment to create 3000 Queensland Green Army jobs.”

Community solutions Wide Bay services manager Melinda Everett said there would be an opportunity for the participants to undertake accredited training in conservation and land management or horticulture with Wide Bay TAFE.

“By combining paid employment with accredited training, participants will increase their job readiness skills and increase their chances of securing employment,” Ms Everett said.

“The Green Army participants will be putting their skills into practice by working at the Hervey Bay Education Water Park which will be built to preserve the dune ecosystem and protect the site's mature fig trees.

“The water park will begin at the roundabout joining Main Street and the Esplanade on the foreshore at Pialba, adjacent to Seafront Oval and Pialba Caravan Park.”

People wanting to register for Green Army projects should phone the Green Army hotline on 1800 249 215 or visit www.greenarmy.qld.gov.au.


Media contacts: Minister’s Office – 3224 6361 or 3224 5982
                             Community Solutions – 4128 3933

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