A PROPERTY set aside for koala habitat at Peak Crossing is in better shape than ever before thanks to the work of five local youth through the Commonwealth’s Green Army program.
The youngsters graduated from the federal government program on Thursday, October 6 2016 after eight months of hard work on the Queensland Trust for Nature site on Mt Flinders Road.
They cleared 40 hectares of lantana and fireweed, hitting double their target of 20 hectares, and completed 2km of fencing on the property.
They also planted five hectares of trees, including blue gum and acacia trees for koalas to eat from, and reported wild dogs and pigs for animal management.
Among the graduates was Jordan Korner, 22, of Roadvale.
The Boonah High alumnus, who wants to work outdoors, said completing the project gave him invaluable experience and skills to pursue his career goals.
Felicity Shapland from Queensland Trust for Nature praised the graduates for their work.
“The work they’ve done has made a huge difference to the property and has had a particularly massive impact down in the creek – it means it’s easier for the 15 to 20 koalas we have on this 650 hectare site to access food trees,” she said.
“It’s the first time we’ve had a Green Army team on board since we bought the site in 2014 and the results have been great – both for the participants getting to learn new skills and for the environment locally.”
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said the project was a win for everybody.
“These participants have made a solid contribution to the local environment and I’m proud to be part of a government which supports such an enriching program,” he said.
“Great work to the graduates for their solid efforts to learn and increase their skills for the workforce.”
Applications close October 24 for the Mt Mort Green Army project, which starts in November.
For more information or to apply visit http://conservationvolunteers.com.au/green-army/queensland/
