Caz Heise, Independent candidate for Cowper, has pledged her full support for expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program and Indigenous Protected Areas, labelling them “one of the  most effective ways to protect and restore our environment, create local jobs and bring federal funding to our region” 

The Indigenous Rangers Program is the largest federally funded Indigenous land management initiative, currently supporting 129 ranger groups across the country. 

Indigenous Protected Areas now cover more than half of Australia’s National Reserve System. 

“These programs deliver real benefits - protecting our environment, strengthening Indigenous land and sea management, and creating jobs in regional communities,” said Caz.

“I strongly support the campaign to double the number of Indigenous Rangers by 2030 while ensuring fair access to ranger roles for women. These programs need secure, long-term funding so they can continue delivering for our communities.”

“Cowper already has a successful Indigenous Ranger group, with Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation operating at Coffs Harbour and surrounds, and now Yurrungga Aboriginal Corporation also has funding to develop an Indigenous Protected Area in the Bellinger Valley. These organisations will have the capacity to employ more local First Nations people to undertake critical conservation work.”

“I recently had the privilege of meeting with the CEO of Country Needs People and their team, and fully support the ongoing expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program and the Indigenous Protected Areas network.” 

Caz backs the campaign to:

• Continue doubling Indigenous Ranger jobs by 2030, with an equity target for women.

• Expand and strengthen Indigenous Protected Areas across land and sea.

• Ensure that Indigenous Ranger programs receive sufficient operational funding to meet the scale of land and sea management challenges.

• Rebuild capacity within the federal environment department to provide dedicated support to Indigenous organisations delivering these programs.

• Guarantee long-term funding security for these initiatives beyond 2030.

“This is a proven model for delivering environmental, cultural, and economic benefits,” Caz said. 

“Securing this funding means more jobs for Indigenous people in Cowper, more protection for our environment, and stronger connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians working together for the benefit of our country.”

“These programs deliver clear environmental, cultural, and economic benefits, and I will continue advocating for increased federal investment to ensure their future.”