Windfall for Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation ranger program with $1 million budget boost

The next round in funding for the region’s Aboriginal rangers will take the program into full implementation, with more than $1 million awarded to the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation this week.

The funding injection of $1.075 million comes on top of $150,000 awarded earlier this year for the Wadandi-led program to train rangers and put them into the field for vital conservation projects.

The Times understands the program will also foster transfer of traditional skills around bushfire management and biodiversity, and was a key step towards possible dual-management of the region’s national parks.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the money also provided pathways for young people into conservation and cultural tourism.

“Research shows that for every dollar invested in the Aboriginal ranger program approximately three dollars worth of social, economic, cultural, and environmental value is created,” he said.

“Our Government has invested more than $100 million in Aboriginal rangers since 2017, making practical differences on the ground for Indigenous communities.”

Earlier this year Karri Karrak was among other native title groups awarded funds for the Aboriginal ranger program which in the Capes region was first established by the Margaret River-based Undalup Association.

Karri Karrak would have stewardship of the rangers in conjunction with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions as well as being integral to talks on joint management.

Mr Whitby said the On Country program had created about 1400 jobs for Indigenous Australians since 2017.