Program greener than before

By Casey Neill
THE Federal Government has shot down Opposition claims that a popular environment initiative has been scrapped.
On 5 November, La Trobe MP Jason Wood said the government had cut its Green Corps program.
“This is another local environment program gone. It’s so disappointing,” Mr Wood said.
However, a spokeswoman for Employment Participation Minister Brendan O’Connor said the program had, in fact, been expanded.
“It has not been scrapped,” she said. She said the way the program was delivered would change from 1 July next year, but its objectives remained the same.
Green Corps is currently a development and environmental training program for 17 to 20-year-olds.
From 1 July next year there will be no age restriction.
“Green Corps will provide work experience and training opportunities for all job seekers,” Mr O’Connor said in a media release.
The change was made following an employment services and programs review.
“Activities will retain their focus on natural environment and cultural heritage principles, with an added focus on water and climate change,” he said.
This is contrary to claims from Mr Wood, who said there would no longer be a separate Green Corps program and he would fight for its retention.
More than 18,000 young Australians have joined Green Corps projects across Australia since the program began, planting more than 14 million trees, building 8000 kilometres of fencing and maintaining 5000 kilometres of walking track.