The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
Over $69 million for new Indigenous rangers working on country
Media release
12 May 2009
ENV 06
The Australian Government has committed over $69 million over five years to create 210 new environmental jobs for Indigenous rangers in remote and regional Australia.
Indigenous organisations will be able to secure funding for 100 Indigenous rangers working across a range of land tenures, 60 flexible positions and 50 traineeships with existing ranger groups.
Minister Garrett said this commitment builds on the 300 ranger positions created to protect the environment by combining traditional and modern approaches to natural and cultural resource management.
"Indigenous rangers are doing tough jobs, tackling weeds and feral animals, managing fire and conserving cultural sites and threatened plants and animals over vast landscapes and sea country.
"In remote and regional Australia, their work helps to protect natural and cultural heritage.
"The funding has been made available under the Working on Country program, and creates real jobs with real wages and supports professional skill development in land and sea management.
"This means greater independence both economically and socially for Indigenous people and their communities," said Mr Garrett.
"Our ongoing commitment to Working on Country is an integral step in the Rudd Government's approach to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage."
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is delivering this commitment in co-operation with the Australian Government Indigenous Affairs and employment agencies.
For more information visit www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/workingoncountry
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