Federal Shadow Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, and Federal Member for Boothby, Dr Andrew Southcott, said that if a Coalition Government was elected, the Wetlands for Oaklands project would be one of the first to benefit from funding under the Green Army Plan.

Mr Hunt said the Green Army would provide teams of ten young Australians who would work on local community-based environmental projects for six month periods as part of a new Coalition program.

The Wetlands for Oaklands project aims to help establish an aquifer storage and recovery system on the site of the former driver training facility at Oaklands Park. This will enable thousands of litres of stormwater to be used for new homes, schools and watering council reserves and parklands.

“This is a really positive program that will deliver significant training and practical experience in the vital area of environmental management,” Mr Hunt said.

“The Wetlands for Oaklands Green Army Project will provide enormous environmental benefits as well as vocational training for our emerging workforce.”

Participants in this project will:

• Help prepare the land for a wetlands development
• Plant native species
• Maintain plants
• Construct walking/cycling trails.

“This will provide an opportunity for our young people to make a significant contribution to the environment whilst at the same time gaining valuable employment experience,” Dr Southcott said.

“The Coalition’s Green Army will play an integral role in the development of the Oaklands Park Wetlands. The benefits for the local communities are two-fold. The communities will reap the rewards through the training and work experience opportunities available to their youth. Not only this, it will be a win for the environment. Trained environmental workers will work along side our young people to overcome employment barriers and deliver a positive contribution to the community.”

“I am delighted that I have been able to secure one of the first Green Army projects for Boothby. This is about providing a bright future for our youth; providing a bright future for our environment.”

Mr Hunt said the Green Army plan had first been unveiled by Liberal Leader Tony Abbott earlier this year. Under a Coalition Government, the scheme would start in July 2011. Teams of ten young workers will be deployed on specific projects for six month periods.