Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is urging interested young people in Hume to register for local Green Army projects.

“Recruiting is now actively underway for the first round of approved projects and organisers are looking for enthusiastic 17 to 24 year olds to join up. Participants will receive a Green Army allowance for the duration of their project. They will also be supported to obtain Certificate I or II qualifications or nationally endorsed skills to help them prepare for the workforce,” Mr Taylor said.

He said in Hume, the Yass Gorge Restoration project was one of the first to get off the ground nationally. He said the project would provide valuable work experience for local school leavers in the environmental sector.

“The project will involve revegetation, weed control, walking track development, installation of interpretive signs, as well as flora & fauna surveys. Quite specifically, it will be about restoring a stretch of 18 hectares along the Yass River between Flat Rock Crossing and the Yass Dam Wall. Participants will be part of a team of nine young people with an additional Team Supervisor. Here is a great chance to build skills, undergo specialist training and make new friends.”

Mr Taylor said the projects were open to a diverse range of young people, school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers. Participants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

He said interested young people could apply via an application form on the website of appointed Service Provider Campbell Page http://campbellpage.com.au/green-army/ or via recruitment coordinators Skillset by phoning (02) 6330 1400. Interviews will be underway shortly - with the Yass project expected to start late October and run for 22 to 26 weeks.

“The Green Army is one of the Government's major environmental initiatives and will encourage practical, grassroots action to support the environment while providing training for 15,000 young Australians for the next four years,” Mr Taylor said.