The WA State Government is backing the successful work of Aboriginal rangers with a $16.5 million investment in the latest round of the Aboriginal Ranger Program.

Since its launch in 2017, the State Government has invested $100 million in the program, creating on-Country jobs for 1,400 Aboriginal people.

These roles have supported a range of activities, including biodiversity research, Traditional Owner knowledge transfer, and management of cultural sites and fires.

“This is a fantastic initiative that contributes to the social and economic prosperity of Aboriginal communities,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti said.

“We continue to see these grants achieving practical outcomes right across Western Australia.”

Projects funded as part of the program’s eighth round include a dedicated Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Ranger Program offering youth traineeships and pathways for teenagers and young adults, and a Carbon Economy Preparation Project that will enable Aboriginal people to participate in the renewable energy and carbon capture sector.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said research had shown that for every $1 invested in the Aboriginal Ranger Program approximately $3 worth of social, economic, cultural, and environmental value was created.

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

The Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation will receive nearly $1.5 million as part of the investment.

The Wilinggin Indigenous protected area covers 2.4 million hectares of the north-west Kimberley area, stretching all the way from Derby to Kununurra.