Indigenous ranger program gets $355 million boost

Up to 770 of the new ranger roles will be set aside for Indigenous women, who play an important role in protecting women's sites, preserving cultural knowledge and practices. 

"Expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program will provide more opportunities for First Nations people to share their knowledge and benefit from the social and economic outcomes that come from meaningful employment," Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said.

"I'm particularly pleased to see so many new opportunities for women Indigenous rangers who play a unique role in caring for Country."

The expansion will set aside up to 770 new ranger roles for Indigenous women. (HANDOUT/NORTHERN AUSTRALIA HUB)

The federal government has promised to spend $1.3 billion in the Indigenous Rangers Program until 2026, aiming to double the number of rangers by the end of the decade.

First Nations people have cared for Country for generations, and Indigenous rangers work to protect land, sea and wildlife through traditional knowledge and Western science.

"That's why we have expanded both the Indigenous Rangers Program and the successful Indigenous Protected Area program - continuing to support Traditional Owners to manage and protect land and sea Country for future generations," Environment Minster Tanya Plibersek said.

The federal  funding will go to 115 projects across the country - 35 in Queensland, 23 in Western Australia, 21 in NSW, 12 in Northern Territory, 11 in South Australia, 9 in Victoria and 4 in Tasmania.

It is the first time in more than a decade that new ranger groups have been able to apply to join the Commonwealth Indigenous Rangers Program.

Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart said she was thrilled a number ranger groups in her state get federal funding for the first time. 

"Traditional owner groups in Victoria are strong and mighty," she said.

"I am so pleased to see the significance of their work recognised in this way."