Green Army descends on Maleny Community Precinct

A Green Army has descended on Maleny Community Precinct to continue conservation efforts at the 125ha site.

The Green Army, an  Australian Government initiative, provides an opportunity for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields.

Federal Member for Fisher Mal Brough today (Oct 15) met with Sunshine Coast Divisional Councillor Jenny McKay and Conservation Volunteers Australia members who will be coordinating the Green Army in conjunction with the Council on the precinct.

He also had the opportunity to speak to Green Army participants busy at work at the Precinct.

Mr Brough said he had fought hard to secure this project as he had previously seen the great environmental outcomes and the benefits to the participants.

Cr McKay said the Green Army would continue conservation efforts across the Maleny Community Precinct.

“They’ll be on site for 19 weeks from early October,” Cr McKay said.

“Work will include installing fencing, weeding and maintenance of existing plantings, additional planting across the riparian zones and constructing a walking trail.

“The precinct is true community collaboration, based on conservation and the sustainable public use of the land which is owned by Sunshine Coast Council ratepayers.

“The project will help restore riparian corridors, wetlands and remnant rainforest which in turn provide a habitat for our native fauna such as birds, small mammals, fish, reptiles and invertebrates.

“Controlling weeds that threaten to smother and impact vegetation is another important aim of this project, to help preserve endangered flora and fauna species.

“Improving community links is integral to Maleny Community Precinct project and the site brings together a wide spectrum of community groups.

“Our planning incorporates enhancing and protecting environmental values, providing community use and recreation and protecting early European heritage and the Green Army will  help us achieve that.”

Conservation Volunteers Australia Queensland Manager Dennis Gannaway said the organisation was proud to be the largest service provider for the Green Army initiative In Queensland and across Australia.

“We are particularly pleased to be working with the Sunshine Coast community and Council,” Mr Gannaway said.

“We believe that this experience offers young people an opportunity to get involved with on-ground projects which will result in positive outcomes for the natural environment.

“It will also give them a good practical background to working in the natural resource management field."

For more information visit Sunshine Coast Council