An indigenous ranger program has been given a $245,000 boost

An indigenous ranger program spanning from Cairns to Port Douglas has been given a boost from the Federal Government.

• Press conference interrupted by indigenous leader
• Free vaccinations for local indigenous people

AN indigenous ranger program spanning from Cairns to Port Douglas has been given a $245,000 boost from the Federal Government.

The Yirrganydji indigenous Land and Sea Rangers care for land and sea country, preserve sites of cultural significance, conserve threatened species, marine systems and cultural places and address environmental threats caused by feral animals, invasive weeds, marine debris and bushfire.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the investment would secure the ranger program’s future until June 2021.

Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Workshop 2019 at Paradise Palms. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

“Indigenous rangers are the eyes and ears in the areas they patrol. They bring local knowledge and insights to their work allowing them to protect and preserve our unique environment,” he said.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said the Coalition was investing in indigenous rangers at record levels.

“Across both Ranger and indigenous Protected Area programs we’ve committed more than $830 million over 10 years through to 2023,” Mr Scullion said.

Originally published as An indigenous ranger program has been given a $245,000 boost