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

Monday, August 31, 2009

Armies join forces to help the environment in Bundaberg

Two armies will combine forces to fight unemployment and enrich the environment in Bundaberg.

Parliamentary Secretary for Employment and Economic Development Jan Jarratt said the Bligh Government’s Green Army would team up with the Bundaberg Salvation Army to implement a range of green projects throughout the city.

Ms Jarratt met with the Salvation Army to discuss the project while in Bundaberg alongside Premier Anna Bligh, State Ministers, other Parliamentary Secretaries and senior public servants as part of the 18th Bligh Government Community Cabinet.

“Green Army teams are working hard across the state beautifying our environment and protecting our natural resources,” Ms Jarratt said.

“The Salvation Army has been granted $144,990 to run this green project in Bundaberg and is currently enlisting participants for the first intake, which will begin next month.

“Participants will be salvaging materials from the Bundaberg waste station to create original furniture pieces which will be sold through the Salvation Army’s retail outlets.  They will also be involved in establishing a nursery, extending a bush tucker trail and regenerating native flora along the creek bed at the Salvation Army premises in Norville.”

Salvation Army Bundaberg’s community services manager Tom Osborne said the project will benefit participants, the environment and Bundaberg’s disadvantaged.

“Some 10 participants will receive paid work, vocational training and increased employment opportunities from the skills and experience they gain in furniture making and horticulture” Mr Osborne said.

“Just as importantly, this project will support our social services - either directly through food from the community garden and bush tucker trail or through proceeds made by selling the recycled furniture pieces.  We are currently recruiting participants for the project and I encourage interested jobseekers to register at www.greenarmy.qld.gov.au or call 1800 249 215.”

Media contacts: Treasurer’s office 3224 6361; Salvation Army 4153 3557

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