Terrain NRM is working towards improving the natural environment in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Yasi. In response to the devastation, Terrain has established the Cyclone Yasi Recovery Program, manned by displaced workers in local areas and industry from Ingham to Innisfail. The aim of the program is to improve the parts of the natural environment that were hit hardest by the cyclone in February, and to up skill locals for work.

The program consists of three 'Green Army' and three 'Clean Up' teams which are based out of the localities, Ingham, Tully, and Innisfail. While both the Green Army and Clean Up team members have been trained in chainsaw operation, weed identification, and indigenous awareness (among other things), they both play different roles in rehabilitating the landscape.

The Clean Up teams are helping landholders by removing debris from waterways, and reducing it down to piles of mulch which can then be used to restrict weed growth on the very same site . The Clean Up teams also help to restore walking tracks and remove overhanging hazards.

The Green Army teams are responsible for spraying noxious weeds and revegetating devastated areas. The destruction of the canopy in many creek-side vegetation patches has created sunny

conditions which encourages the growth of weeds. Green Army teams aim to remove the weeds and plant native trees which discourage weed growth and instead will provide habitat for native animals to take shelter.

Landholders of areas where teams have been working are delighted with the results so far. Some of them have even voluntarily written to the teams to say a special thank you to the effort the teams put in on the ground.

One Landholder wrote to one of Terrain's Innisfail teams: 'the team cheerfully worked together to clear debris, a great outcome and thanks again!'

The program is managed through Terrain and funded by the Queensland Government's 'Skilling Queenslanders for Work' initiative, and The Australian Government's Caring For Our Country.

For more, contact Terrain on 07 4043 8000 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .