JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT: Grants support First Nations’ connection to Country while boosting environmental outcomes and Reef health

Grants support First Nations’ connection to Country while boosting environmental outcomes and Reef health 

• First Nations Projects that promote health of Country eligible for $500,000 grant pool.
• Funds support teaching young people about environmental and cultural history while working to manage the land.
• Additional grants available to support Traditional Owner-led environmental projects for Great Barrier Reef conservation.  

The Crisafulli Government has announced two grant rounds to help First Nations groups manage key land and sea environmental projects.  

Under the Looking after Country Grants program, First Nations community projects promoting the health of Country are eligible for up to $75,000 to help with the work.  

Previous successful projects have ranged from teaching young people about plant identification and cultural heritage sites to training Traditional Owners in specialised fire management – restoring cultural skills, and connection to country.  

Funds can be used for project related costs, including wages, training, operational equipment and administration to deliver outcomes for Country.  

The new Reef Assist Traditional Owner program will provide up to $200,000 in grants to support environmental action to boost the health of the Great Barrier Reef. 

After a decade of inaction by the former Labor government, which saw Closing The Gap targets worsen, the Crisafulli Government is focused on delivering practical solutions and skills for First Nations people, to improve employment opportunities and boost home ownership rates. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the goal of the grants programs was two-fold. 

“We’re delivering real, on-ground results for the Reef and diverse environmental areas while strengthening the capacity of Traditional owner groups to lead future conservation efforts,” said Minister Powell.   

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was especially pleased to announce this program during National Reconciliation Week. 

“Involving Traditional Owners in projects to protect the Great Barrier Reef is vital because they hold deep cultural knowledge and a strong spiritual connection to sea and Country, built over thousands of years,” said Minister Simpson. 

"The Crisafulli Government's Looking After Country and Reef Grants programs strengthen cultural opportunities and economic security for First Nations people across the State. 

“It’s about action, empowerment and long-term impact.” 

Under the Looking After Country Grants, Nyanda Life Limited recently received a grant of $73,700 for Stage Two of a project documenting traditional ecological knowledge, including the use of plants on Yagara Country. 

Managing Director of Nyanda, Madonna Thomson said the project began in 2023 and is continuing to record traditional knowledge about plants significant to Yagara people for cultural uses as food, medicine or ceremony.  

“We are focusing on reviving traditional ecological knowledge on Yagara Country. The project supports the development of young people's skills in plant identification,” said Ms Thomson.  

“An important part of the project involves transferring knowledge to the next generation. Young people are working with Elders and a traditional ecologist to survey plants, map species, create 3D models and develop interpretive content and botanical art. 

“It is our goal to then publish a book of recorded species and traditional uses for future training and learning of our native plants that their uses.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Fiona Crawford 0417700363 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Apply for a Looking After Country grant here.

The new Traditional Owner Reef grants program invites projects aligned with one or more of the following goals: 

• Boosting training and development opportunities for Traditional Owners
• Building business and project readiness
• Supporting hands-on restoration through learning-by-doing, and
• Enhancing Traditional Owner-led monitoring and reporting 

Applications open 27 May 2025, with successful projects to be announced in mid-August 2025. 

Apply for a Reef Assist Traditional Owner program grant here.