Council wins State funds to create green jobs

Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot has welcomed news that 40 new jobs will be created in the region under the State Government’s Green Army initiative.

The Sunshine Coast will be the first region to benefit from the program, with Council receiving more than $600,000 to fund the positions.

It will allow 40 jobseekers to begin work on a range of projects across the Coast in July.

Premier Anna Bligh congratulated Council for moving quickly to take advantage of the program and putting forward a proposal that would offer lasting benefits for the area.

“It is that sort of attitude and that belief that they can make a difference that will make it much easier for governments to work together,” Ms Bligh told Parliament last week.

The Green Army program will allow jobseekers to develop skills in basic construction, horticulture, landscaping, fencing, concreting or waste recycling.

They will be employed to build retaining walls along the coast, a walking/cycling trail in Maroochydore, undertake parks work on Kawana Island and do further work on the Noosa Tracks and Trails project in the hinterland.

Bob Abbot said he was delighted that the Government had supported Council’s proposal and 40 local jobseekers would have the opportunity to join the workforce.

“This is a win for those looking for work, for our community and our environment,” Cr Abbot said.

“Council wasted no time letting the government know we wanted to be involved and I’m very pleased they saw merit in our projects.”