Joint Media Release

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP - Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Hon Keith Pitt MP - Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia

The Australian Government has today opened a new grant opportunity to establish up to four Indigenous River Ranger groups in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said this ranger program, part of the Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package, will deliver $3.1 million to allow Indigenous organisations to use their knowledge and connection to country to contribute to managing and restoring waterway health.

“The Murray-Darling Basin is home to more than 40 Aboriginal nations, with tens of thousands of years of experience managing its resources,” Minister Wyatt said.

“This funding will empower local Indigenous groups to make decisions on managing the country they know best and ensures more Indigenous Australians are actively involved in managing the waterway.

“It means Aboriginal people will play a critical role in identifying the priorities in their area and will support greater diversity in environmental and cultural practices across the Basin.

“I look forward to seeing the proposals from any Indigenous organisation in the region that wants to establish a new river ranger group and take a leadership role in protecting and sustaining Australia’s valuable environmental assets.”

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australian, Keith Pitt, said the new Indigenous River Rangers program is part of the Government’s commitment to put all communities at the heart of the Basin Plan.

“Improving the health of the Murray-Darling is everyone’s business to strengthen the Basin’s ecology and provide more opportunities for all communities,” Minister Pitt said.

“I welcome all input and bringing more Indigenous knowledge and experience of water management will assist in that process.”

The grant round closes at 8pm (AEDT) on 18 May 2021. Details on eligibility and how to apply are on the Grant Connect website.