Dear Mr Morrison,
I call on you to invest in Australia's national interest by securing and growing funding for Indigenous ranger programs and Indigenous Protected Areas in the 2016 Federal Budget.
Indigenous land and sea management programs are delivering results for Australia. Indigenous rangers are protecting our natural heritage through invasive species control, fire management, cultural and tourism site maintenance, and threatened species conservation. The jobs supported by these programs are transforming the lives of individuals for the better and are making a major contribution to the wellbeing of remote Indigenous communities. Research has shown a 300 per cent return on investment as a result of social and economic benefits like reduced incarceration and better health.
I ask you to address the environmental need across the continent and capitalise on the economic and social benefits of Indigenous land and sea management by:
- Doubling the funding for Indigenous ranger programs and Indigenous Protected Areas;
- Extending the length of Indigenous land and sea management contracts; and
- Establishing a long term target of funding for 5000 rangers.
Invest in success in Australia's 2016 Federal Budget.
Yours faithfully