Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne is hoping that the successful Green Army program can be expanded within The Hills.
Mayor Byrne recently visited the Green Army in action at Bernie Mullane Reserve with Federal Mitchell MP Alex Hawke.
In 2015, the Green Army, a federal government program which gives work to people aged 17-24, began their quest to regenerate native plants along Cattai Creek.
“The Green Army is a fantastic program that not only gives young people work, it also restores our native bushland and controls weeds,” Mayor Byrne said.
“The Green Army works really well with Council’s Bushland Team. They work mainly at Bernie Mullane Reserve and Fullers Road Reserve along the Cattai Creek Catchment.”
“They plant native vegetation, remove weeds and restore the area around our beautiful waterways.”
“They work exceptionally well with our Bushland Regeneration team and for that reason, we want to see the program extended along the Toongabbie Creek Catchment Area.”
Mayor Byrne said that Council had applied as part of the Parramatta River Catchment Group, which includes Cumberland Council, Blacktown City Council, Hunters Hill Council and the Bidjigal Reserve Trust.
“As part of the Parramatta River Catchment Group, we’re hoping to see the Green Army’s fantastic work extended along the Toongabbie Creek Catchment Area.”
“We are very lucky to have such a diverse and large array of natural resources in our Shire and we need all the help we can get to maintain and restore them.”
“I hope our application is successful and I thank the Green Army and the Federal Government for investing in this fantastic program.”
Mr Hawke said the Green Army gave young people invaluable experience while contributing to our environment.
“The Green Army gives the opportunity for local young people to gain training, experience and valuable work skills, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for our local environment.”
