Green Army bill approved by coalition

The federal government has approved laws to reinstate the Green Army.

The Howard government introduced the concept in 1996 as an alternative to work-for-the-dole programs.

The initial program, which is part of the government's Direct Action plan to address climate change, will involve 17- to 24-year-olds taking part in projects for up to 26 weeks.

The projects are expected to include weed control, river clearing, tree planting, fencing and beach protection as well as work on restoring historic sites.

At September's election the coalition promised 250 projects in 2014-15, building up to 1500 projects in 2018-19 when the Green Army would become a standing force of 15,000 people a year.

The initial annual cost would be $50 million.

Coalition MPs approved a bill to reinstate the program at a meeting in Canberra on Tuesday.