Projects at Melbourne Zoo and Wodonga’s wetlands are just two of the 11 new Green Corps projects in Victoria, announced today by the Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor.
Mr O’Connor said projects were among 59 new Green Corps projects across Australia, which will help participants gain new skills as well as helping to conserve and restore Victoria’s environment and heritage.
Green Corps is a federally funded program which provides young people aged 17-20 with the opportunity to participate in projects that conserve, preserve and restore Australia’s environment and cultural heritage.
Green Corps also aims to help community groups with restoration and rehabilitation of the environment and heritage assets. Each project consists of a team of young people, learning new skills and establishing links with their communities.
During the course of each 26-week project, participants work towards a minimum of a Certificate I qualification in horticulture, conservation and land management.
“Many young people enjoy the outdoor activities of Green Corps and are keen to contribute to environmental regeneration and heritage restoration,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Green Corps enables them to work with people of their own age under the supervision of a qualified team leader and gives them training in recognised skills that are designed to lead to full-time work opportunities in related fields.”
Mr O’Connor said that in line with its election commitment the Government had reviewed the current employment services including the Green Corps program.
“Following extensive consultation, the Government has designed a new, streamlined employment services system that will provide more streamlined and tailored services for job seekers,” he said.
“Under the new Employment Services System which begins from 1 July 2009 Green Corps activities will continue as part of work experience for job seekers.”
The 11 new Victorian Green Corps projects include:
- Upgrading Melbourne Zoo to world-class visitor standards via landscaping and planting, building paths and installing irrigation systems;
- Restoration of wetlands in Wodonga and encourage greater interaction between young Indigenous people, parents and elders within the community.
- Plantation of shelter along the western boundary of Werribee Open Range Zoo;
- Coastal habitat protection and enhancement in Warrnambool; and
- Upper Loddon Catchment and Community Revitalisation project in Castlemaine.
Other Green Corps projects in Victoria are located in, Bacchus Marsh, Port Arlington, Mount Beauty, Koonawarra, Healesville and Warrangine.
All new projects are due to start later this month. To find out more about participating in these projects visit www.greencorps.gov.au.