Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has congratulated the young people involved in a Green Army project at Yass Gorge on work underway to help the environment.

At an official launch event on Monday, Mr Taylor said during the next six months the community would see first-hand the improvements to the riverbank area.

“There have been several projects carried out along this part of Yass River in the recent past and I am confident, with assistance and follow up support from Yass Landcare Group, the Green Army team will be further improving the site.

“The Gorge, Riverbank Park, the cycleways and walking tracks, are an attractive spot for tourists and locals.

“By revegetating the area and installing signage, the team of young people will not only be helping conservation efforts, they will be gaining practical training for the workforce or further study,” Mr Taylor said.

The Green Army programme is encouraging grassroots action to support local environmental projects across Australia, providing training to 15,000 young people by 2018.

Round 2 of the Green Army closes today December 9. Further details at www.environment.gov.au/green-army.

Caption: Yass Green Army team members Sarah Davison and Shama Stopp, 17.Sarah says she knew little about the environment before she started on the Green Army project a month ago. “I have an interest in plants now. I talk to Jill at Yass Landcare a lot about different plants. We have done research in the library and we are making signs to put up in the area,” she said.