Queensland First Nations councils and organisations are being encouraged to apply to employ a further 46 Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers, building on the 154 already taken on through 37 teams across the state.
The Queensland Government’s Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program supports opportunities for First Nations people to care for Country, protect the environment and pass on important cultural knowledge.
The rangers’ activities include a wide range of conservation services including cultural burns, feral animal and pest plant control, soil conservation, cultural heritage site protection and biodiversity monitoring.
“First Nations communities have been the custodians of their Country for thousands and thousands of years,” said Environment Minister, Meaghan Scanlon.
“It’s only right that we continue to support opportunities for First Nations Peoples to care for Country and support their ambitions, create valuable employment pathways and protect our environment.
“These positions up for grabs are part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $24 million investment to double the number of Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers from 100 to 200.”
Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers also provide guidance to young people through junior ranger programs and school-based education and training.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations, Councils and incorporated non-profit organisations working with Traditional Owners can apply today for funding to employ new rangers.
“The Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program supports jobs and delivers positive environmental, cultural, social, and economic outcomes for First Nations communities,” said Minister Scanlon.
“They are combining Traditional knowledge with new technologies to protect and conserve Country based on Traditional Owner and community priorities.”
Project Coordinator Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association, Justine Dillon, who previously received funding for Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers said the program had brought the local community closer together.
“We have just hired our first ranger that has a physical disability and requires wheelchair access, and we are removing obstacles and barriers to our work sites and adding pathways for him,” she said.
“We are being fully inclusive and equitable by making working on Country as accessible as possible for anyone who wants to be a ranger.
“Being able to work in the protected area has seen us care for riparian zones, koala habitat and our traditional lands.
“It is our responsibility to look after Country, because if you look after Country, it gives back to you.”
Organisations will need to demonstrate support from Traditional Owners, and to explain the environmental and cultural outcomes for Country which the rangers would deliver.
Applications for the 46 new positions close on 24 April 2023.
For more information, including the guidelines and application form, visit:Â https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/conservation/community/land-sea-rangers/about-rangers.
