The government has said it will spend $87 million over the next five years to support Indigenous organisations who work to protect their land. 

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion has said Indigenous Protected Areas put land and sea country management into the hands of Traditional Owners. 

In addition it provides environmental, employment and social benefits.

Across the country 48 organisations will receive funding to continue work managing Indigenous Protected Areas.

“Indigenous Protected Areas support First Australians, to work on land and sea country, achieve significant conservation outcomes, connect with country and culture and promote Indigenous business,” Minister Scullion said. 

There are 14 Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) in the Northern Territory. 

from Djelk and Anindiliyakwa in the North, down to Katiti Petermann and Angas Downs in the South, 

“The Government is making a record investment in ranger programs and is proud to have now invested $727 million since coming to office.

“I look forward to working with the Assistant Minister for the Environment to establish more Indigenous Protected Areas across the country,” Minister Scullion said.  

Assistant Minister for the Environment, Melissa Price, said more than 2900 First Australians across regional and remote Australia are involved in working to protect the land. 

“I’m proud of the record support provided to Indigenous Protected Areas and Indigenous Rangers, including a $30 million project to build the capacity of rangers to pursue employment and business opportunities in biosecurity, fisheries and border protection.

“With 15 IPAs located right across my own great electorate of Durack, I see firsthand the work that rangers do to protect and conserve our environment and help fight against the threat of pests and diseases which impact not only our native flora and fauna but also our primary industries as well,” Ms Price said.