By JESSE GRAHAM
THE Federal Government’s Green Army program has started up work in the Yarra Valley, with workers set to team up with local Landcare groups in the next six months.
Green Army members began their work along the banks of Badger Creek last week, working hand-in-hand with Yarra Ranges Council staff and the Mount Toolebewong Landcare group.
The combined group planted native trees and grasses along the banks and roadsides, and will be working in areas around Healesville, Coldstream and Yarra Glen until April 2015.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Bush Crew leader Steve Brunt said the group had planted up to 400 native plants on Thursday 4 December, and would work around the valley in coming months.
“We’ve currently got a team of nine working for five to six months around the Healesville area,” he said.
“We’ve got a good, young group – they’ve only started this week, but it’s all gone well.
“They’re keen and energetic.”
Mount Toolebewong and District Landcare member Arthur Harford said the replanting work was the beginning of a long-term project for Badger Creek.
“We’re working right along the creek – we want it opened up and cleared on both sides, but that’s a long dream ahead,” he said.
Green Army member, Nicole Palombi said she had a passion for the cause, after completing a three-year bachelor degree in wildlife conservation.
Though the work was in its early days, starting officially last week, Ms Palombi said she was enjoying her time in the group and that it would be a start as she looked for a career in landcare.
The Green Army is a project started by the Federal Government and pledged in the lead-up to 2013’s Federal Election by the Coalition.
The project is open to people aged 17-24 and participants receive payment that ranges from $10.14 to $16.45 per hour, depending on qualifications.
For more information, visit www.environment.gov.au/green-army.
