A KOALA habitat restoration project at Peak Crossing is set to boost the environment and help local youth get jobs.
With the help of the federal government’s Green Army program, weeds will be cleared and native food trees planted at the Queensland Trust for Nature site on Mt Flinders Road.
The 652 hectare former grazing property, which the Trust bought 18 months ago, is home to at least 10 koalas.
It will also soon be an active work site for the nine local youth who get positions through the Green Army to work on the project alongside the University of Queensland Koala Ecology Group and the community.
Wright MP Scott Buchholz congratulated the Queensland Trust for Nature on getting Green Army support for the project and encouraged local youth to apply.
“This is a great opportunity for our young people to gain practical training and experience while being paid to work in their local environment and contribute something important they can be proud of,” he said.
“This project at Peak Crossing will not only restore important koala habitats – it will empower our youth to make a difference and a solid contribution to society.”
Queensland Trust for Nature conservation manager Tanya Pritchard welcomed the support.
“It’s absolutely great to know we’re getting a Green Army team on board here because we simply don’t have the resources to get all the restoration done otherwise,” she said.
“This sort of support makes it all possible and we’re hoping we’ll be able to give those Green Army participants a diversity of experiences and really useful training in natural resources activities.”
The Peak Crossing project will also include a wildlife and pest survey to reduce the threat of dogs, foxes and cats and will focus on raising awareness in the community about koala habitats through community field events.
Green Army applications for the project are now open, with work set to get under way on May 2.
To apply, visit http://conservationvolunteers.com.au/green-army/queensland/ and scroll down to “Ipswich”.
For more information about applying phone 1800 032 501 or email brisbane@conservationvolunteers.com.au