Kerry Bartlett (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Darwin’s Walk in Wentworth Falls is a Blue Mountains landmark named after Charles Darwin, who travelled its path in search of the waterfall there in 1836. This very scenic walk continues to be well travelled by both locals and tourists. Darwin’s Walk has recently undergone a process of restoration and rejuvenation by two Green Corps teams. The most recent team graduated in August after constructing and repairing boardwalks, planting 500 native species, removing weeds and improving the quality of the water along the walk. Their project followed progress made by the first team of Green Corps, who began works at the site last year, cleaning drains and restoring and building steps, handrails and boardwalks.

These dedicated young Australians are just a few of the 15,000 who have taken part in worthwhile environmental projects around the country since the Green Corps program began nine years ago. Together they have planted more than 13 million trees, fenced more than 7,000 kilometres and built or maintained walking tracks spanning more than 5,000 kilometres around the country. Green Corps programs provide a challenging and rewarding 26-week environmental training and youth development course for 17- to 20-year-olds. Volunteering to conserve their local environment, they receive accredited training in OH&S, first aid and an environmental field while earning an allowance from the Australian government and gaining valuable life skills. I know that local Green Corps teams have greatly enjoyed the experience. Congratulations to those graduates who worked so hard at Darwin’s Walk and at the many other sites across the country. You have made a real difference.