Green Army Team 2016

Posted on 23 May, 2016 by Asha

First Green Army Team of 2016

Last year, Connecting Country partnered with the North Central CMA and more than 20 local Landcare/Friends groups to apply for Round 4 of the Green Army programme. We were successful, and as a result, we’ve had a team of nine working on Landcare projects across the region since February 2016. This current Green Army team has done some fabulous work so far, including controlling weeds, removing rubbish, and installing posts and tables. Soon it will be time to change things up a bit with some planting, pine control and track maintenance. It’s been wonderful to hear the positive feedback from both Landcare/Friends groups and the Green Army participants. Each Green Army team operates for about 6 months, and this one is under the management of Manpower Australia.

Tackling the gorse in Specimen Gully

A couple of weeks ago I went out to have morning tea with the team and see how they’ve been going. Peter (team supervisor), Liam, Mitch, Paige, Kirra, James, Rachel, Melissa and Josh were working assisting the Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group in Specimen Gully at the time, tackling the infestation of gorse and other weeds there. There’s been a lot of weed control for the team to do this year, so by now they’re a well-oiled machine when it comes to cutting and painting. There are plenty of interesting things that turn up along the way as well, like mystery plant and bird species, or even a shy echidna. The team has also enjoyed learning about the stories of the Landcare/Friends groups they’re working with, so thank you to everyone who has taken time to share these with them.

Over the next few months, this Green Army team will continue to work in heritage areas in the region. We’ll also have a second Green Army team starting in July, who will be working on projects for another twelve local Landcare/Friends groups.

By Asha Bannon
Mount Alexander Region Landcare Facilitator