State Government releases new round of funding for Aboriginal Ranger program

The McGowan Government has announced another round of funding to be contributed to the Aboriginal Ranger program.

The extra $11 million commitment encourages Indigenous organisations with innovative ideas to apply.

The grants are available to organisations with projects that explore innovative ways to maximise the benefits of the program.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said: “The Aboriginal Ranger Program ensures expert knowledge continues to be passed on and to care for country in a way that protects both cultural and environmental values.”

The current WA Aboriginal Ranger program is a $66.5 million investment over five years from 2021 to 2026 to help Aboriginal organisations manage country and protect the environment across the State.

The State Government investment has created more than 650 ranger jobs on country since 2017 and has supported the management of nearly 500 significant cultural sites.

By the end of 2021, it had delivered more than 800 jobs for Aboriginal people, as well as significant land and sea management outcomes.

The program helps Aboriginal organisations employ and train Aboriginal people as rangers, coordinators and other management and support staff to undertake land and sea management activities including biodiversity monitoring and research, traditional knowledge transfer and cultural site management.