Green Corps to restore bushland

– Kath Gannaway
RESTORATION of the Coranderrk Bushland at Healesville Sanctuary is one of 11 new Green Corps projects announced last week.
The Coranderrk Bushland, 142 hectares of native plant species, is one of the few areas of lowland Yarra Valley vegetation left of its type.
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.
Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor said the projects were among 59 new Green Corps projects across Australia, which will help participants gain new skills as well as help to conserve and restore Victoria’s environment and heritage.
Green Corps also aims to help community groups with restoration and rehabilitation of the environment and heritage assets.
Each 26-week project consists of a team of young people, learning new skills and establishing links with their communities.
Participants work towards a minimum of a Certificate I qualification in horticulture, conservation and land management.
“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.
The projects are due to start later this month.
For information on participating in Green Corps projects visit www.greencorps.gov.au.