Green Army set to restore coastline

Dressed in work boots, khaki-coloured shirts and gloves, Rockingham's Green Army troops have been busy restoring the region's coastline for the past few weeks.

Bridging the Gap's two nine-person teams, aged 17 to 24 years old, have been learning about horticulture and restoration as part of practical components of a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management.

The aim of the paid 20-plus week project is to help the youth gain skills for future employment opportunities and doubles as a benefit for the region's environment.

One team has been busy removing weeds, dead trees and rubbish, as well as plant management and tree planting.

Army troop Hannah Kyneur said the 30 hours a week of work and training in the field she desires a future in was rewarding.

"It's been good - we have been brushing dunes and cutting down branches to stop coastal erosion," she said. "It's hard work, especially in the summer."

Fellow participant Alex Miller said the team uncovered more rubbish than expected, including beer bottles and cans at Cockburn.

"The best thing about the project has been learning how to help the environment restore itself," he said. "After it's finished I'd like to work for councils on similar projects."

Miss Kyneur said the highlight for her was becoming more waste conscious. "We visited a waste plant at Red Hill and learnt 70 per cent of food waste which went to landfill could have been composted," she said.