Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today announced that the next application rounds for the Australian Government’s Green Army and 20 Million Trees programmes were now open.

“The Government wants local people to join the Green Army to work on local projects in our community, and we want local groups to come forward with ideas for projects,” Mr Vasta said.

“We invite potential project hosts such as community organisations, Landcare groups, natural resource management organisations, environment groups, Indigenous organisations, local councils and others to put forward local project ideas as part of Round 4 of the Green Army,” Mr Vasta said.

Round 4 Green Army applications are open until 2pm Canberra time (AEST) on Wednesday, 16 September 2015.

“Information sessions about how to get involved in the Green Army are currently running across Australia for local community groups and young people interested in signing up,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Vasta encouraged those interested to attend one of two information sessions to be held in Brisbane on Thursday, 20 August 2015 at the Mercure Hotel:

• Project Host Information Session – 9am to 11am;

• Participant Information Session – 11am to 1pm.

Mr Vasta also invited community groups, organisations and individuals to start their own tree planting projects by applying for grants under Round 2 of the 20 Million Trees Programme, which aims to see 20 million trees planted across Australia by 2020.

“Funding of up to $5 million is now available under the second round of the programme with grants of between $20,000 and $100,000 available for projects which will re-establish native vegetation, provide habitat to support threatened species and to improve the local environment,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is a great opportunity for the many local people in our community who are committed to conservation and green spaces.”

Applications for Round 2 of the 20 Million Trees Programme are open until 2pm Canberra time (AEST) on Wednesday, 16 September 2015.

“I look forward to seeing these trees—and the millions to follow under this programme—grow into thriving green corridors and urban forests,” Mr Vasta said.

More information about Round 4 of the Green Army Programme, including eligibility, project guidelines, application form and the full schedule of community information sessions is available at www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy.

More information about Round 2 of the 20 Million Trees Programme is available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.