The Cairns-based Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers will receive funding to purchase a boat so they can continue to monitor, preserve and improve sea country through marine surveillance and restoration.
Funding of $270,000 for the purchase of a marine vessel will be delivered through the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Capacity Building for Indigenous Rangers Strategy.
Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt said funding for rangers supports indigenous Australians to work on country, and creates employment, training and career pathways
“This funding provides a great opportunity for the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers to take on more work and upskill existing rangers,” Mr Wyatt said.
“Ranger work provides both environmental benefits and real career opportunities that indigenous Australians can aspire to.”
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said he had been working closely with the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers, particularly Gavin Singleton, to secure funding for this much-needed piece of equipment.
“Our Indigenous rangers are the eyes and ears in the areas they patrol. They bring local knowledge and insights to their work allowing them to protect and preserve our unique environment,” Mr Entsch said.
“This investment will also allow the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers to expand existing economic opportunities, as well as to access new ones.
“These opportunities include tourism, and fee-for-service work in biosecurity and environmental monitoring with both government and non-government partners.”
Mr Entsch praised Mr Singleton’s advocacy in securing the new vessel and praised rangers across the entire region for their fantastic work.
“Far North Queensland is privileged to have so many dedicated rangers, many of whom are indigenous who combine traditional knowledge with conservation training to protect and manage land, sea and culture,” he said.
“Rangers across the region also play an important role in natural resource management, including fire management, restoring rivers, preserving threatened species and controlling feral animals.
“The work of indigenous ranger groups is vitally important and that is why the Morrison Government will continue to support their amazing work.”
