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With the Queensland Government investing $24 million to double the number of Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers from 100 to 200, First Nations organisations across Queensland are being encouraged to apply to employ another 46 Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers.

This builds on the 154 Indigenous rangers already employed through 37 Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger teams across Queensland.

The State 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.

Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers are also providing 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.

QLD Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon notes “First Nations communities have been the custodians of their Country for thousands and thousands of years.

“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.

“The Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program supports jobs and delivers positive environmental, cultural, social, and economic outcomes for First Nations communities.

“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 shares “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.

“We are being fully inclusive and equitable by making working on Country as accessible as possible for anyone who wants to be a ranger.

“The Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers program has brought our community closer together, and it is bringing so much hope for our rangers.

“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 24th April 2023.

For more information, including the guidelines and application form, visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/conservation/community/land-sea-rangers/about-rangers

Image: Yuku Baja Miluku ranger takes part in a planned burn at Archer Point.

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