Projects in the Bathurst and Cabonne shires will be some of the first green army projects rolled out. 

Further projects in the Orange and Blayney shires will also get underway once arrangements are finalised with local councils. There will be additional rounds over the next four years.  

The green army provides opportunities for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields and explore careers in conservation management, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for the Australian environment.

Participants will receive a green army allowance for the duration of their project. Participants will also be supported to obtain certificate one or two qualifications or nationally endorsed skills to help them prepare for the workforce or improve career opportunities.

People interested in joining the green army can apply through the appointed service providers for each state and territory. Visit www.environment.gov.au/green-army. 

THE failed mining tax has only managed to collect a miserable 0.5 per cent of an estimated $150 million forecast for the June quarter. Despite this, the senate continues to vote to keep this disastrous tax. 

It continues to defy logic that Labor, under Bill Shorten, would continue to support a tax which has raised next to no revenue. Yet Labor locked in spending of more than $17 billion over the next four years alone, with these proceeds meant to be coming from the mining tax.

The mining tax has significantly worsened the budget’s position. The expected net revenue for the mining tax of $300 million is just two per cent of the total expenditure linked to the mining tax. It is just unsustainable.

TODAY marks 100 years since the start of the first world war. 

Nearly every Australian was touched by the war. From a population of five million, 417,000 enlisted: 332,000 served overseas; 152,000 were wounded and 61,000 never came home. A century on, Australia has not forgotten these sacrifices.

Many activities are being planned to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac in 2015.

Applications have closed for the Anzac centenary local grants program, but applications are still open for the Australian Government’s Anzac centenary arts and culture fund program.