More than 1000 Indigenous Ranger positions will be created Australia-wide—up to 770 of them for First Nations women.
The expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program will see a $355 million investment from the federal government over four years, marking the first time in more than a decade that new ranger groups will be able to apply to join the Commonwealth Indigenous Rangers Program.
The announcement, to take place on Wurundjeri Country on Thursday morning, will see a total of 115 projects receive funding: 35 in Queensland, 23 in Western Australia, 21 in New South Wales, 12 in Northern Territory, 11 in South Australia, nine in Victoria and four in Tasmania.
The expansion will also include grants of up to $50,000 per year, over four years, to both strengthen and support the long-term sustainability of ranger groups.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said expanding the program would provide the chance for more First Nation people to "share their knowledge" as well as benefit from the "social and economic outcomes that come from meaningful employment".
"This expansion delivers on the government's commitment to increase the footprint of the Indigenous Rangers Program and bolster activity in existing locations," Senator McCarthy said.
"I acknowledge the work of all rangers and the care and strength they demonstrate in looking after Country."
The Minister reserved special praise for Indigenous women, who will fill most of the full-time, part-time, and casual ranger positions, arguing they play a "unique role" in caring for Country.
Indigenous Rangers play a unique role, assisting First Nations people in managing Country according to Traditional Owners' objectives.
These include land and water management; fire management; biodiversity conservation; cultural heritage protection and maintenance; and biosecurity monitoring.
A spokesperson said the government has committed $1.3 billion in investment to 2028 for the Indigenous Rangers Program, with the aim to double the number of rangers by the end of the decade.
Labor Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart, said First Nations people have been "custodians of Australia's land and waters for tens of thousands of years", arguing the expansion of this program "honours this legacy and provides sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities for mob".
The Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba senator said Traditional Owner groups in Victoria "are strong and mighty".
"I am thrilled to see over $23.6 million invested in Victoria, and eight groups in the state receive Indigenous Ranger Program funding for the very first time," she said.
"The economic and social contribution of Traditional Owner groups like Gunaikurnai, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Winda-Mara and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans cannot be understated. I am so pleased to see the significance of their work recognised in this way."
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek highlighted the vital role Indigenous Rangers play, noting people were "so lucky" across the country to be able to learn from the "world's most successful environmentalists".
"First Nations people have actively managed Country for 65,000 years and provide skilled environmental and cultural expertise that benefits all of Australia," Minister Plibersek said.
"That's why we have expanded both the Indigenous Rangers Program and the successful Indigenous Protected Area program – continuing to support Traditional Owners to manage and protect land and sea Country for future generations."
More information on the grants can be found on the Indigenous Rangers website.
