Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As part of the Morrison government's long-term funding commitment for the Indigenous ranger program, I was pleased to call Dr Kerry Blackman from the Gidarjil rangers to inform him that they had secured $8 million in funding for the next seven years.

The Gidarjil rangers focus their work around Granite Creek, in an area north of Bundaberg, as well as undertake work in the sea country region of Port Curtis Coral Coast. They care for sea country in both coastal and marine environments. From the Burrum River north to an area around Agnes Water, the rangers' work includes weed and pest management; marine monitoring and maintenance; habitat restoration; threatened species management, including turtles and dugongs; and preserving cultural assets in connection to country. This funding will allow 12 full-time positions to be created. I congratulate Dr Kerry Blackburn and his rangers on the work they do and will continue to do in the future.