Dave Tollner (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Greening Australia has delivered the Green Corps program in Darwin since 2003 and the projects have provided a wonderful opportunity for young people to get motivated and help the environment at the same time. In the Top End, Lisa Peters manages the program for Greening Australia and has had up to six teams of young Territorians working at any one time. The teams work on practical environmental projects for six months, during which time they also undertake accredited training and gain qualifications. Many agencies and community groups have been involved in all the projects.

Last week I launched the latest project at Hidden Valley Raceway, where Jeff Roberts has been providing such wonderful support to the project. The participants are inspirational young Territorians who are prepared to get up and have a go at something new and rewarding. Alex Arnold, Jamie Templer, Caitlin Krohn, Jordie Kaddatz, Joel Stone, Michael and Patrick Hunter, Rodney Gunn and Jerrica Brown are part of that team. Territory Motor Sports, a Northern Territory major events company, run by Paul Cattermole, the general manager, have given the Green Corps full support. In particular, I would like to mention Leslie Arnold from the Rapid Creek Catchment Advisory Committee and Peter O’Hagan from the Rapid Creek Landcare Group. These people are to be commended on their enthusiasm and professional support towards the project.

I would also like to thank Dan Richards and Ian Kew from Darwin International Airport, as well as Dave Perry and Brett Shearer from Darwin City Council and Palmerston City Council. At Rapid Creek, Green Corps will implement the Yankee Pools management strategy and revegetation works in the rural blocks corridor. In the Darwin CBD they will prepare the newly established Dashwood Place Landcare site for future revegetation works with the National Trust Landcare group. I would like to thank Gavin Perry and Sharon Yvelton for their support. I would also like to commend the work of Leonie Williams and Bill Cumberland from the Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts who will be providing on-the-ground support and planning.

Finally, these projects cannot get under way without the help of Chantel Bramley, the team leader; Dave Cash and Liza Schenkel, who provide the technical assistance; Lisa Peters from NT Green Corps, Coordinator for Greening Australia, who I previously mentioned; Mike Clark, CEO, Greening Australia; and Dave Calland from Stringybark Training, the training provider. The Territorians I have mentioned deserve recognition. I congratulate them on the good work they are doing throughout Darwin, especially in the northern suburbs and the Palmerston and Berrimah areas. (Time expired)