Green Army bill due for introduction

Legislation to reinstate the Green Army is due to reach federal parliament on Wednesday.

First introduced by the Howard government in 1996, the concept was founded as an alternative to the work-for-the-dole program.

The Abbott government on Tuesday approved laws to bring back the scheme, which in its initial guise will see 17 to 24-year olds take part for up to 26 weeks in projects which will aid the coalition's Direct Action plan to address climate change.

Activities could 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.