Federal Shadow Environment Minister, Greg Hunt and Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin, said that if a Coalition Government were elected, Tilligerry Habitat Reserve and the Mangrove Boardwalk would be two of the first sites to benefit.

“The Coalition’s Green Army is a really positive program that will deliver significant training and practical experience in the vital area of environmental management. This includes training in areas such as horticulture, bush regeneration, OH&S and construction methods,” said Mr Hunt.

The plan will deliver:

Tilligerry Habitat Native Restoration Project, Tanilba Bay

-          Weeding and planting of local native flora to encourage native fauna, especially koalas and frogs.

-          Restoration of boardwalks.

-          Protecting ecosystems from human footprint.

-          Development of a natural reserve to serve as an example of sustainable living.

Mangrove Boardwalk, Lemon Tree Passage

-          Restoration of the boardwalk (approximately 200 meters long) which is badly deteriorated. The boardwalk prevents      foreshore erosion, protects the mangroves and minimises the human footprint in the wildlife corridor.

-          Use of recycled plastic to replace the boardwalk, reducing the amount of plastic going to landfill.

-          Public education on environmental issues through interpretative signage, which will be placed both on the boardwalk and along the adjoining foreshore walk. Subjects will include: the importance of ecosystems, koala facts, bird identification, aboriginal and historical information.

-          Regeneration of adjoining bushland.

 “I have listened to my community which has told me how important these types of projects are. I have fought hard and together with my colleague Greg Hunt, I am delighted to make this announcement,”said Mr Baldwin.

“The Coalition’s Green Army would provide a win-win, through enhancing and protecting our local environment, while giving young people the benefits of training and experience. Environmental workers would help local youngsters overcome employment barriers and deliver a positive community contribution.

“This is about jobs and training for twenty young people.  It is also about creating an environmental benefit that everyone can enjoy,” said Mr Baldwin

The Green Army plan was first unveiled earlier this year.  Under a Coalition Government, the scheme would start in July 2011 with teams of ten young workers deployed on specific projects for six month periods.