Grants back Indigenous conservation efforts

The Queensland Government has awarded more than $520,000 to seven new conservation projects across Queensland through the latest round of Looking After Country grants.

Supported projects focus on wetland condition assessments and protection works, cultural values mapping, youth engagement, healthy country planning, and Traditional Knowledge documentation.

Recipients include conservation projects in St George, Hopevale, and Cairns.

Daarba Land Trust, near Hopevale, received a grant of $74,522 to undertake wetland condition assessments and develop protection strategies.

Chairperson Deleece Bowen said the funding will help protect Wuyi Wetland, a culturally and ecologically significant site, while supporting Traditional Knowledge transfer to young people.

“Wuyi Wetland is a sensitive story place, bora ground and traditional camp area, as well as a sanctuary for crocodiles and migratory birds, but it is threatened by weeds, feral animals, visitor impacts and wildfire,” Ms Bowen said.

“This project will allow us to restore wetlands for current and future generations and progress our goals for Country.

“Daarba people will record cultural knowledge about traditional indicators, assess wetland health through various surveys and undertake weed removal and cultural burns to protect this valuable wetland.”

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, said the funding will help First Nations communities conserve and manage environmental and cultural heritage.

“First Nations communities have expert knowledge on the conservation of our unique biodiversity and environments across Queensland and have been playing a central role in doing so for tens of thousands of years,” Mr Powell said.

“These grants will support important projects, including Healthy Country Planning and documentation of Traditional Knowledge.

“Our continued commitment to partnerships with Traditional Owners will improve land management while supporting 51 jobs in First Nations communities.”

Funding was also awarded to several other First Nations organisations across the state.

They include:

• Badjuballa Aboriginal Corporation, located on Girramay Country south-west of Tully, who received $75,000 for conservation efforts.

• Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elders Aboriginal Corporation, near Cairns, was granted $75,000.

• Nyanda Life Ltd in Brendale, City of Moreton Bay, secured $74,675.

• South West Indigenous Corporation, near St George, received $75,000.

• Wabubadda Aboriginal Corporation, based at Badjaballa Station south-west of Tully, was awarded $74,900.

• Wangkangurru Yarluyandi Aboriginal Corporation received $75,000.

• Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation, operating on Mbabaram Country south-west of Atherton, also secured $75,000.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson, said the program strengthens collaboration between the Government and First Nations peoples.

“Delivering meaningful and effective programs are not only beneficial for community and Country, but they improve respect and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” Ms Simpson said.

“This is vital for social cohesion across the state as well as increasing community and economic participation and self-determination among First Nations peoples.”

More information about each project is available online.