Indigenous ranger groups across Cape York and the Torres Strait will benefit from a funding boost of more than $50.9 million over three years to continue their vital contribution to environmental, cultural and economic outcomes in their communities.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the increased funding was part of a wider $250 million commitment that would continue to deliver jobs and opportunities for local First Australians.
“The Federal Government is proud to support the fantastic work being done by indigenous ranger groups across Cape York and the Torres Strait,” Mr Entsch said.
“I have seen first-hand the marvellous work that these groups do on a daily basis.
“The funding will allow these indigenous ranger groups to continue their great work in protecting and conserving threatened species, marine systems and cultural places, while addressing environmental threats caused by feral animals, invasive weeds, marine debris and wild fires.
“The work that continues to be done by rangers across Cape York and the Torres Strait to protect our amazing land and sea country is incredible, and provides real skills and employment opportunities in these areas.
“I look forward to continuing to see the incredible contributions made by the local rangers as they protect our beautiful and diverse country.”
Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said 118 ranger groups across the nation would benefit from the record funding.
“More than 2000 First Australians are employed as indigenous rangers through this program, protecting land and sea country and contributing immeasurably to their communities,” Mr Scullion said.
“This additional investment of more than $250 million over three years will bring total support to the program to a record $640 million over eight years.”
Mr Scullion said as part of the $640 million commitment the Coalition Government has invested $30 million to build capacity within the Indigenous Rangers Program.
“The program will allow rangers to build their technical skills and take up the opportunities offered in compliance and land and sea management,” he said.
“Despite Labor and foreign funded green-groups trying to stir up uncertainty over the program’s future, the Coalition is the true friend of indigenous rangers.
Kalan Enterprises Aboriginal Corporation: Kalan Rangers – $2,532,054
Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation: Kaanju Ngaachi Wenlock and
Pascoe Rivers Rangers – $448,466
Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation: Eastern Yalanji Rangers – $2,262,043
Yintjingga Aboriginal Corporation: Lama Lama Rangers – $4,583,496
Yuku-Baja-Muliku (Archer Point) Land Trust: Yuku-Baja-Muliku Rangers – $2,007,424
Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation: Yirrganydji Rangers – $364,930
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council: Kowanyama Rangers Aboriginal Lands Project – $2,235,822
Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council: Mapoon Land and Sea Rangers – $2,462,461
Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council: Nanum Wungthim Land and Sea Rangers – $1,714,249
Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council: Apudthama Northern Peninsula Area Rangers – $4,933,993
Torres Strait Regional Authority: Erubam Rangers – Erub Island, Iamalgal Rangers – Iama Island, Mabuygiw Rangers – Mabuiag Island, Malu Kiai Rangers – Boigu Island, Masigalgal Rangers – Masig Island, Meriam Gesep Rangers – Mer Island, Mua Lagalgau Rangers – Moa Island, Mura Badhulgal Rangers – Badu Island, Mura Buway Rangers – Saibai Island, Porumalgal Rangers – Poruma Island, Simakal Rangers – Dauan Island, Warraberalgal Rangers – Warraber Island – $27,356,783
