A $151,157 grant has been awarded to the Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation to improve Indigenous ranger services across both land and sea.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said this grant will set Wuthathi Rangers up with the critical skills and equipment to carry out biosecurity activities for the Australian Government," Minister Littleproud said.
"This will provide training and skills to enable Wuthathi traditional owners to work on country and be on the frontline of biosecurity, pest and disease detection.
"Wuthathi country includes over 118,000 hectares of land around Shelburne Bay on remote north-eastern Cape York as well as surrounding sea country and islands. Northern Cape York is the frontline for many high-risk plant and animal pests and diseases.
"This new partnership with the Wuthathi Rangers will expand biosecurity surveillance coverage in this high-risk area and strengthen Australia's frontline biosecurity defence.
The work that is done in the north goes a long way to defending not just Australian livelihoods, but the incredible biodiversity that makes this country unique."
The Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch said the Australian Government will always support our indigenous ranges and seek their advice for their knowledge of the land and sea.
"It is fantastic that the Wuthathi Ranges will be able to extend their great work in protecting their unique environment and protecting us all from biosecurity risks in the north," Mr Entsch said.
Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation Chairman Keron Murray said the grant was a chance for both development and future planning.
"Wuthathi people know our country better than anyone. Our rangers are ideally placed to monitor for potential biosecurity threats. We will be able to build our rangers' skills and capacity and plan for future biosecurity activities," Mr Murray said.
"The extra income that Wuthathi would receive from undertaking biosecurity activities will enhance jobs security for our rangers. It will also increase our ability to carry out wider services for other entities providing additional income opportunities in the future."
For more details on the five successful round 1 projects visit the Biosecurity Business Grants.
Fast Facts:
- Participants in the project include Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation, their 300 odd members and the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.
