Terrain NRM, Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Max Employment have joined together to establish a National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) program in the Hinchinbrook Region.

The group of 20 participants aged between 17 and 24 will assist with NRM activities in Hinchinbrook by the preparation of native revegetation sites, tree planting, weed control and maintenance activities of new and existing sites under the direction of Terrain NRM and Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Team supervisor, Santo Lamari has been busy coordinating the crews between on ground works and TAFE to support the integrated learning environment which will result in successful participants attaining a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management.

"Although participants will develop many skills through the program, the main greatest beneficiary will be the community," said Mr Lamari.

The selected native revegetation sites aim to stabilise waterways and drainage channels, preventing erosion and suppressing weed growth in order to cut down on maintenance and herbicide use long term.

Working in the Herbert River Catchment Group / Herbert Shire Council Nursery has also given the team members experience in plant propagation which has been a part of their training.

Terrain's Acting Hinchinbrook Team Leader, Michael Nash said, "When completed, many participants will have obtained a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management, which includes many competency-based qualifications, providing increased employment opportunities for these young people.

"The NGJC group are progressing well through the program and their assistance has been greatly appreciated. Good work guys."

For more information, contact Michael Nash on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 4776 0186.

Scott Rowbottom, an NGJC participant, working on native re-vegetation site on Palm Ck, Herbert Catchment