Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

New round of Green Corps launched

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, officially launched the next round of Green Corps today at The Cedars, Mt Lofty Ranges in South Australia.

The Green Corps program was a Coalition Government initiative which commenced in 1997 that gives young Australians aged between 17 and 20 years who have an interest in the environment the opportunity to receive quality training while participating in projects addressing significant environmental issues.

“This great voluntary program is helping young Australians to engage with the community while providing them with the opportunity to conserve, preserve and restore Australia’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

“Since the program began more than 8,740 young Australians have been involved in 874 Green Corps projects throughout Australia. They have achieved:

  • 7.3 million trees planted;
  • more than 2500 kilometres of fencing built;
  • 30,000 hectare of weeds removed;
  • over 5,500 kilograms of native seeds collected; and
  • more than 2,400 kilometres of walking track constructed and maintained.

“The Commonwealth Government has committed $69 million to the program, contracting Job Futures and Greening Australia to deliver the program nationally from 2002 to 2005.

“Job Futures and Greening Australia will provide 1,700 places each year, selecting participants, establishing and supervising projects and providing field support to the Green Corps teams.

“This project is really helping young people to improve their self-esteem and to increase their career, training and employment prospects.

“The Coalition Government is committed to initiatives such as the Green Corps program to help our youth to gain the confidence they need to get ahead in life,” Mr Anthony said.