More than 20 Canberrans will be hired to carry out bushfire recovery jobs across the ACT's devastated national parks.
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The 26 positions have been rolled out to provide work to employees who had lost their jobs due to coronavirus restrictions, as part of the government's Jobs for Canberrans Fund.
The new employees will begin training on Monday as new rangers and field officers with ACT Parks and Conservation.
Work will include trail maintenance and the repair of fences along the boundary of Namadgi National Park and catchment restoration in the Lower Cotter catchment.
ACT Environment Minister Mick Gentleman said more than 500 people applied for the roles.
"The team start training [on Monday] and is keen to start work on the ground in two weeks," Mr Gentleman said.
"Their work will also benefit from approximately $1 million for fast-track project funding to deliver critical bushfire recovery and other works in our reserves.
"Local businesses and contractors will supply the necessary resources."
Six Ngunnawal rangers have also been appointed to join the bushfire recovery team.
The Ngunnawal rangers will help to care for country and help the recovery of natural and cultural heritage of the national parks following the bushfires.
The Orroral Valley bushfire began in late January, sparked by a landing light on a defence helicopter.
The fire destroyed 80,000 hectares and 80 per cent of the Namadgi National Park, and also threatened homes in Tharwa and southern parts of Tuggeranong.
The blaze was the worst bushfire to hit the ACT since the 2003 bushfires which claimed four lives and destroyed hundreds of homes.
The Namadgi National Park remains closed to the public.
Mr Gentleman said the bushfire recovery jobs were essential as Canberra grappled with the impact of coronavirus.
"We are providing employment for up to six months to people who have been unemployed during this health emergency, and they will gain new skills to help them with future opportunities," Mr Gentleman said.
"We are working together with Canberrans to create job opportunities for those who need it."
The $20 million Jobs for Canberrans Fund has led to more than 300 jobs being approved in the ACT public service.
The new roles include school cleaners, maintenance officers, administration officers and assistant accountants.
More than 30 Canberrans started work as part of the jobs fund last week.
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
