The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is to hire 15 new Aboriginal rangers to protect the State’s parks and animals.
Announcing the new initiative, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close said the appointments were a key part of an election commitment to maintain, promote and sustain traditional cultural sites and practices within parks.
“Co-management of our State’s parks recognises the importance of Aboriginal customs and knowledge to the proper management of our natural environment,” Dr Close said.
“Having more Aboriginal Rangers will help to support culture, story-telling and language, and provide a much richer experience for people visiting our amazing parks,” she said.
Dr Close said other initiatives included increasing the number of co-managed parks; protecting Aboriginal heritage and cultural sites; and ensuring Aboriginal people had a voice in the future of the River Murray.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Kyam Maher said giving Aboriginal people a greater say on the natural environment was not only the right thing to do, but it would also enrich parks for the enjoyment of everyone.
“Aboriginal people have lived on this land for tens of thousands of years, and they bring a deep knowledge and understanding of our natural environment,” Mr Maher said.
“These new Aboriginal Rangers will enhance our work in protecting the environment as well as acknowledging the importance of Traditional Owners and their relationship with Country,” he said.
Aboriginal Ranger for NPWS, Jesse Evans (pictured right with fellow NPWS Ranger Glen Abbott) said having more Aboriginal rangers working in parks would be fantastic.
“Working in parks is something I’m passionate about and it will be great to see more Aboriginal rangers out on-park,” Mr Evans said.
