7-YEAR FUNDING COMMITMENT TO PROTECT LOCAL CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETS

Long term investment in one of Barkers most valued assets has been awarded through the indigenous ranger program.

The latest round of funding announcements includes significant investment in the Coorong and Lower Lakes as well as Calperum and Taylorville in the Riverland.

“The Coorong and Lower Lakes are a significant and much treasured asset to the local community. As a fragile ecosystem its conservation is an ongoing and vitally important task.

“Ensuring the revegetation of land, feral animal management and the protection of endangered animals as well as cultural site protection is not only important to traditional custodians but as a major tourism asset, its health and maintenance is vital for the local economy,” Mr Pasin said.

Three organisations have been funded under the program to undertake projects over a seven year period in the Coorong and Lower Lakes over a seven year period; Ngopamuldi Aboriginal Corporation, Ngarrindjerri Land and Progress association and The Aboriginal Lands Trust corporation of SA.

The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board will also receive funding for work primarily on Calperum and Taylorville Stations in the north-eastern section of the Murray Darling Basin.

“The Morrison Government is making sure Indigenous rangers have the certainty they need to invest in long-term programs for the benefit of the local region.

“Indigenous rangers are an integral part of our community, protecting and conserving country,” Mr Pasin said.

“The Morrison Government is delivering on its commitment to long-term funding for the Indigenous Ranger Program, with 80 organisations selected to continue caring for Australia’s natural and cultural landscape for the next seven years,” Mr Pasin said.

“In addition to protecting Australia’s environmental and heritage assets, caring for country generates economic opportunities and social and cultural benefits for Indigenous peoples that strengthen the wellbeing of communities and benefit Australia as a whole.”