Peter Hendy (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to refer the House to the government's Green Army program and its potential to bring large benefits to rural and regional areas. It is what I call practical environmentalism. In addition, these projects provide skills training for young people between the ages of 17 and 24 years of age. They will be able to obtain certificate I or II qualifications to help them prepare for the workforce or improve their career opportunities. So it is also a jobs program.

Recently I was pleased to announce two Green Army projects in my electorate. One will be at Gulaga National Park near the town of Central Tilba. It is a walking track upgrade and weed control eradication project. I recently was able to see the sight of this project when I had the opportunity of talking to Lyndall Magnusseson and Mal Dibden of the far south coast.

I was also pleased to announce the Queanbeyan River restoration project. Queanbeyan Mayor Tim Overall has taken me on site inspections and given detailed briefings on this important project. In addition, I recently went down to Eden Cove and talked to John Walker and Mike Stebbings about their plans for a pathway project around Lake Curalo, which will link up with the Bundian Way Indigenous project, which recreates the ancient pathway from the coast to Mt Kosciusko. This is a potential Green Army project.

In conclusion, I look forward to working with the community to get as many Green Army projects as we can for our region. (Time expired)