Call for $4bn stimulus that would create 50,000 jobs and care for the environment

Land groups say plan could lift economic output by $5.7bn and focus on areas hit hardest by coronavirus shutdown

An alliance of more than 70 conservation, farming and land management organisations is lobbying the Morrison government to dedicate $4bn of stimulus spending to employ more than 50,000 people to help repair the environment.

According to a report by professional services firm Ernst & Young commissioned by the groups, it could create 53,000 jobs over four years planting trees, removing weeds and restoring rivers, wetlands and coastal habitats. It is estimated it would reduce welfare costs by about $620m and increase economic output by about $5.7bn.