Federal Member Ann Sudmalis is hoping the rumours she has heard about the ending of the Green Army are just that, rumours!
“This program has been exceptionally successful in regional areas,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
“From Shellharbour to the Shoalhaven, young people have learned teamwork skills, work ethics, environmental principles, the ability to turn up on time, work collaboratively with others and above all they have created, regenerated and renewed a significant number of environmental projects.
“Regional Australia benefits in so many ways.”
Nathan Cattell of Killalea State Park said, “There are huge social benefits for the community, leading the participants into work positions. Today I called more than 20 Green Army Graduates to give their opinion on radio but they were all working!”
There have been some phenomenal success stories of work outcomes and environmental outcomes with Bundanon Trust, Shoalhaven City Council and Kiama Council working with Conservation Volunteers Australia.
“I sincerely hope that regional Australia will still be able to get more funding for the Green Army to continue for many years to come,” Mrs Sudmalis said. Media Release Editors Note: Phillip Coorey of the Financial review wrote on Dec 4th "A signature environmental policy of the Abbott government, the Green Army, will be abolished at this month's mid-year federal budget update, saving more than $350 million. The decision was taken by the budget razor gang, the Expenditure Review Committee, more than a week ago but the savings were used to cover the extra $100 million the government promised to give to Landcare as part of last week's deal with the Greens to pass legislation for the backpacker tax." (you can read the rest of the article here)
Photo shared from Green Army twitter account posted in October 2016
