Federal funding boost for KLC programs
The Kimberley Land Council has been awarded more than $50 million in Federal Government funding to boost indigenous land and sea project management in the region.
The Working on Country program is the main benefactor of the funding, receiving $35 million to support Kimberley indigenous ranger groups for the next five years.
More than $4 million will be allocated for the Biodiversity Fund for integrated fire, feral and weed projects in the north Kimberley across three years, $9 million across five years for the Indigenous Protected Areas program and about $1 million for the Caring for our Country target area grants.
These grants support the development of a monitoring and evaluation program supported by the Cyber-Tracker — a high-tech GPS system — to examine the effectiveness of ranger and IPA activities.
KLC chief executive Nolan Hunter said the money would be used to ensure the rich cultural biodiversity of the region would be protected and enhanced into the future.
“The KLC works with traditional owners to look after country through the Kimberley Ranger Network, fire and biodiversity projects, carbon business opportunities and management of Indigenous Protected Areas,” he said.
“This funding is not only an investment in the environment but an investment in the future of Kimberley Aboriginal people.”
About $1 million will also be set aside to promote carbon business opportunities to Kimberley traditional owners.
Mr Hunter said the KLC facilitated 14 ranger groups through the Kimberley Ranger Network, which employed more than 100 indigenous rangers and cultural advisers.
“The network provides real jobs, training and education and improved socioeconomic standards and community well-being,” he said.
“It also encourages nation building, as elders work with rangers and young people to pass on traditional knowledge.”
The Kimberley is home to nine Indigenous Protected Areas, which are managed and driven by traditional owner communities.
“Indigenous Protected Areas empower Aboriginal people to manage country and implement long-term plans to protect the environment while creating sustainable business opportunities and an income stream for remote communities,” Mr Hunter said.
“Kimberley Aboriginal people recently declared an IPA corridor to form one of the largest indigenous conservation areas in Australia at more than 45,000 square kilometres.”
Mr Hunter said the Federal Government’s investment in carbon projects would be used to develop sustainable business opportunities.
