Empowering Aboriginal rangers: investing in the land and sea for a sustainable future
The Northern Territory's captivating landscapes, rich in natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural heritage, are home to diverse Aboriginal communities and dedicated ranger groups that have safeguarded these lands and seas for generations.
The Northern Territory (NT) Government recognises the invaluable role of Aboriginal rangers, committing significant funding to support their crucial mission of caring for land and sea country.
This commitment began with a $12.1 million investment for the four years from 2017-18, laying the foundation for a lasting partnership between the government and Indigenous land and sea custodians. A further $11.9 million was committed for the following 4 years, and, now in its seventh year, this dedication showcases the government's steadfast commitment to preserving the unique natural and cultural heritage of the NT.
This funding includes capital grants, which provide essential equipment and infrastructure to support Aboriginal ranger groups to conduct their work on land and sea country. The Land and Sea Management Fund (LSMF) supports Aboriginal land managers in their tireless efforts to protect the environment and culture. Furthermore, the Ichthys LNG Coastal Offset program, pledging $24 million over 22 years, provides rangers with an opportunity to advance their conservation initiatives in alignment with the environmental offset objectives of the Ichthys LNG project.
This partnership has led to numerous projects, often combining traditional knowledge with western science to inform best practices for land and sea management.
In this year's (round 7) grants program, there is significant emphasis on promoting gender equity in caring for the land and sea, reflecting an increased diversity of groups seeking funding to support innovative projects throughout the NT.
One notable initiative funded in the Ichthys Offset Grants is the Yanyuwa sea country planning and management program. For decades, Yanyuwa people have called for stronger protection over their sea country. Ongoing issues around sacred sites being breached and degraded, overfishing, habitat degradation, and threatened species entanglements have not been met with any management intervention. This is driving a growing urgency to implement a system of Indigenous-led protection over sea country. Yanyuwa people wish to consider these sea country-specific impacts and draw on their deep knowledge and governance systems to develop a Sea Country Management Plan. The plan should be the foundation of future management arrangements on the elders’ behalf. This grant will support a comprehensive consultation and planning process, facilitated by strategic guidance from the Northern Land Council, Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority and NT Government.
A stand out project from the LSMF grants is the Strong Women for Healthy Country Mentorship Support program. Indigenous women throughout the Territory have been designing and driving the network over the past 5 years, with support from Mimal Land Management. This grant will help meet an urgent need identified by over 200 women caring for Country - to attract and deliver support for women working as mentors in remote communities. The network aims to spotlight the essential work undertaken by women mentors, such as guiding younger women in building workplace skills and cultural knowledge, and orientating new staff and visitors to communities. Their goals encompass leadership, mentorship, mental health first aid training, and wellbeing support to the Message Sticks group, a steering group comprising women from 20 remote communities. This grant is poised to have a profound impact on women dedicated to caring for their Country throughout the NT.
One of the most significant capital grants will rebuild the Central Land Council’s Murnkurrumurnkurru Ranger Office in Daguragu, which was heavily damaged in extreme flooding in March. The new facility, in a flood-proof location, will not only address the rangers’ operational needs, but will also promote inclusivity. The facility will provide adequate space for the growing team, accommodating more women, and supporting the goals of traditional owners. Aligned with the draft Central Land Council Land Management Gender Equity Strategy, the new facility places a strong emphasis on diversity, including a break out space, and suitable ablutions. This strategic development ensures that the facility has separate spaces for both men and women, fostering culturally safe discussions and strengthening governance structures.
First-time applicants, Gong-Dal Aboriginal Corporation (GDAC), are on a mission to fulfil their long-held dream of managing their own ranger program for the Western Miyarrka region in Arnhem Land. Substantial progress has already been made in capacity building and knowledge development, leading to the creation of the Western Miyarrka Cultural Authority and a governance framework for the newly established Mutjung Rangers. Thanks to their successful LSMF round 7 grant, the group will finalise their Healthy Country Plan — a crucial step in establishing a skilled ranger team capable of delivering professional services on both land and sea while preserving their rich cultural heritage. GDAC also secured capital funding round for resources and infrastructure crucial for realising the objectives in their Healthy Country Plan.
The unwavering commitment of the NT Government, supporting Aboriginal rangers, underscores the immeasurable value of their work. These rangers fulfil cultural obligations to care for land and sea country, and in doing so enhance and protect biodiversity and strengthen local governance. The continued funding and support provided by the government empower the rangers to continue their vital work in caring for the land, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program to explore the incredible work planned by other grant recipients in their dedication to preserving the Territory's environment.
