Rangers to get help to look after country

A $200,000 grant will go towards funding a ranger co-ordinator for two years to help get the Marduthuni Rangers: Lower Fortescue River and Estuary land management program up and running.

The Yaburara and Coastal Mardudhunera Aboriginal Corporation ranger program has been busy ramping up this year, with it’s members completing TAFE courses in order to give them the skills to undertake land management work on-country.

Agriculture and Food Minister Dean Nalder said $8.34 million would be distributed over 21/2 years to 61 volunteer groups, as part of the State Natural Resource Management Program’s Community Capability Grants.

“The grants will provide vital support to groups which are dedicated to work that benefits the environment and all West Australians,” he said.

“Maintaining and strengthening the capability of community NRM groups is critically important.”

Other projects in the Pilbara to receive funding included a $120,000 grant to the De Grey Land Conservation District Committee, $230,000 for Greening Australia to develop indigenous ranger teams and $325,000 for community capability building across the rangelands.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the work undertaken by local NRM groups in regional communities helped to preserve unique natural environments.