Member for Barron River, Steve Wettenhall said Cairns and Tablelands Regional Councils would receive State Government funding to employ 5 Green Trainees each.

He said that the trainees would work on a range of local environmental projects that would rehabilitate the region's natural areas and revitalise green spaces.

"Young unemployed people are among those most affected by the global financial crisis," Steve Wettenhall said.

"These Green Traineeships will offer our young jobseekers 12 months' paid work as well as the opportunity to improve their skill base and increase their employment options for the future.

"Green Traineeships are primarily designed for young people who don't have post-school qualifications and need a nationally accredited qualification and experience to get their first start in the workforce.

"The Bligh Government is committed to saving and creating Queensland jobs now so we can emerge from these difficult times stronger than before.

"Queensland's Green Army is a three-year $57 million initiative to enhance our natural assets, strengthen our tourism industry and promote increased environmental awareness for all Queenslanders.

"It will create 3000 jobs through 2300 paid work placements and 700 Green Traineeships.

"Councils have a year to fill these positions and we expect many to start recruiting immediately."

People wanting to register for Green Army projects should phone the Green Army hotline on 1800 249 215 or visit www.greenarmy.qld.gov.au.

Queensland's Green Army is part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.