More Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to care for country

The Palaszczuk Government is hiring 25 new Indigenous Land and Sea rangers to protect Queensland’s most amazing natural areas and increase local job opportunities in indigenous communities.

Environment Minister Steven Miles said the $8.1 million funding boost, announced in this year’s State Budget, provides an opportunity for Indigenous communities to host new Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger positions.

“This year marks the tenth anniversary for the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to the growth of this enormously popular and effective initiative,” Mr Miles said.

“I am extremely pleased to acknowledge this important 10 year milestone by announcing the opportunity for Indigenous groups to apply for new funding

“We have invested an additional $8.1 million over four years to expand the total number of ranger positions in Queensland to 100.”

Through the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups are provided with grants, training and mentoring support to establish Land and Sea Ranger teams.

Mr Miles said the program delivered multiple benefits for Indigenous communities and for the conservation of some of Queensland’s most valuable landscapes.

“The Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers contribute greatly to the protection of Queensland’s important ecosystems and Indigenous cultural heritage,” he said.

“The program also provides jobs and promotes economic opportunities associated with land and sea management.”

Ranger teams carry out a range of activities including habitat restoration, feral animal and weed control, species conservation, fire management and community engagement including Junior Ranger programs.    

The new funding will build on the 76 full-time rangers currently employed across 17 communities in north, central, west and south-east Queensland.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Councils, Indigenous Corporations, and incorporated organisations working with Traditional Owners can express interest in funding to host new ranger positions.

Organisations will need to demonstrate support from Traditional Owners and the community for a ranger team, and to explain the environmental and cultural heritage values which rangers would manage. 

Expressions of interest for the first round of new positions close on 9 November 2017.

For more information and to access the expression of interest form visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/community/about-rangers

ENDS

Media contact: Katharine Wright - 0422 580 342