The Territory Labor Government is delivering on another election commitment today, announcing it will invest almost $12 million to continue its Aboriginal Ranger Grants program.
As part of the 2021-22 Budget, $11.9 million has been allocated to keep the program running for another four years.
This funding will ensure around 1,000 Rangers from 47 Ranger groups are further supported with jobs on country, and continued access to resources to protect our pristine environments and wildlife.
Under the program, two types of grants are available through a competitive, merit-based system. These include:
· Capital funding – which has helped Rangers purchase vehicles and trailers, boats, fire and weed spray units, heavy equipment, information technology and communication systems and infrastructure.
· Conservation Land Management funding – which has provided Rangers with assistance for activities including feral animal management, fire and weed management, protection of threatened and 'iconic' species, cultural management, and training and skills development.
The program was first launched under the Territory Labor Government's Protecting Country, Creating Jobs initiative in 2016, which recognises the fundamental role Aboriginal Rangers and Land Managers play in land and sea management, as well as delivering important social and cultural outcomes.
An independent review of the outcomes of the program conducted by Ninti One found that it had made a considerable contribution to land management across the Territory.
Applications for the next round of Aboriginal Ranger Grants will open in the second half of the year.
Quotes from Minister for Parks and Rangers, Selena Uibo:
"Our Aboriginal Rangers do a vital job protecting our unique environments to ensure they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
"These grants have been extremely well received by our Ranger groups – they have bolstered resources and helped get conservation projects off the ground.
"They are also providing the opportunity for new projects for Aboriginal Territorians on country which support land management and conservation jobs.
"The Territory Labor Government is pleased to continue funding these grants for another four years."
