A team of 10 local youth will be carrying out environmental restoration work around Hawks Nest. The youth are part of the inaugural green corps program on the southern side of the bay.

Members of the Myall Koala and Environmental Support Group met with the youth to tell them about the area and inform them of the animals they would be helping to protect.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have support in the regeneration of the area,” Myall Koala and Environmental Support Group president Kevin Haskew said.

Green corp team members are youth from around the area aged 17 to 20 who, over a six month period are paid for helping the local environment.

Green corp groups have worked on the other side of Port Stephens however this is the first time they have come to Hawks Nest.

Six local youth are involved in the program that takes up to 10 people each time.

Tea Gardens resident Kayla Price and Anna Bay resident Bianca joined the team because they wanted to help the animals and work in the environment.

“We are cleaning up the mess that people bring in,” Ms Price said.

Both girls have recently left school and were unsure what they wanted to do.

The group formed around a month ago and have started work on the removal of bitou bush and lantana in Jean Shaw Koala Reserve in Hawks Nest. The growth of the weeds has meant Koalas don’t have a clear path to move from tree to tree on the ground.

From the reserve the group will move to Jimmy’s beach where they will work in various areas along the beach.

“We are restoring the natural integrity of the bushland,” green corp team leader Shane Bailey said.

Through the green corps program participants will gain their senior first aid certificate, OHS skills and undertake conservation land and management training.

The skills taken away from the program can lead to further courses or employment in other environmental conservation areas.