Logan City Council is helping to promote a program that benefits the environment, our parks and job-seekers.
Parks in Jimboomba and Logan Village are undergoing environmental rehabilitation and conservation by a group of trainees seeking to improve their skills and enhance their prospects of gaining employment.
Council is conducting the program in conjunction with Reclink Australia, as part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Project.
Twelve of the trainees, under supervision from specialist Council and Reclink staff, will plant 1000 native trees in Kurrajong Park at Jimboomba and Kooruhman Park at Logan Village as part of the six-month paid program.
They are also helping promote re-growth of the endangered swamp tea-tree (Melaleuca irbyana) and undertaking weed control and mulching.
Another group of 10 trainees has begun restoring habitats to assist in the recovery of the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia), in areas including Windaroo Creek, Belivah Creek and California Creek at Cornubia.
They will also plant 30 Birdwing butterfly vines (Pararistolochia praevenosa), the main natural food plant for the butterfly larvae, and remove Dutchman’s Pipe vines which are deadly to butterfly larvae.
While undertaking these works, they are also learning about landscaping and park management.
Both groups are also educated on workplace health and safety, flora and fauna identification and surveying and plant propagation.
The 22-week program provides accredited training and support to people of all ages who are experiencing difficulty obtaining qualifications, skills and work experience.
At the end of the course, which also includes additional TAFE units, they will qualify for a Certificate 1 in conservation and land management.
Program supervisor Ashleigh-Jo Dawson said the traineeships provided participants with a platform to re-launch their working careers.
“It’s about getting them back into the workforce, exposing them to an industry, and getting them job ready,” she said.
Trainee Abigail Tavukuin said the program was an ideal opportunity to learn about plants, animals and the environment.
“I enjoy protecting and preserving the ecosystem, researching about different species and especially physical work helps keep me fit and happy,” she said.
Wayne Roney, a trainee with Council’s Parks Branch, described his traineeship as “a fresh start in a new career”.
“I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people who are like minded,” he said.
