The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $2 million in eight projects in Western Australia that will help marine experts improve the health and resilience of our oceans.
As part of this, the University of Western Australia (UWA) will receive over $650,000 to collaborate with First Nations communities on two projects that will help ranger groups better monitor and manage the health of our Australian Marine Parks.
One project will see UWA collaborate with six saltwater Bibbulmun Noongar groups to build and share knowledge of and identify priorities for the management of Sea Country.
The other project will enable UWA to work with the Mayala Inninalang Aboriginal Corporation, to support monitoring and protection of key reef species such as trochus.
Other OMPG Round 4 projects in Western Australia include:
- $225,397 to the Kimberley Land Council to support Mayala people manage and protect their cultural sites in the Kimberley Marine Park, through the development of cultural maps and data collection to increase Sea Country knowledge.
- $304,500 to support the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development identify key habitats for sharks and rays in collaboration with leading Australian shark and ray experts, using research databases and novel modelling techniques.
- $183,425 for the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation to support the engagement of Nyangumarta Traditional Owners in management of the marine environment and increase ranger capacity.
- $77,500 to support Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation (WKSN) to establish a marine ranger team and become an integral partner in marine research and management.
- $331,926 to a University of Adelaide protection project that, in collaboration with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, builds on previous research of sea snakes in Dampier Marine Park. The collection of habitat and population data will inform management and protection activities.
- $300,000 to Nyamba Buru Yawuru to support the Indigenous Salt Water Advisory Group (ISWAG) network and develop a forum that supports engagement with partners who invest in priority Sea Country projects, strengthening traditional knowledge for improved management of the Kimberley Marine Park.
This funding is part of the Government’s $8.6 million Our Marine Park Grants program that supports projects which enhance the management, research and monitoring of Australian Marine Parks and improve the health of our oceans.
More information: Our Marine Parks Grants.
Quotes from the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek MP
“Marine parks make up 48 per cent of Australian oceans, but we have to do everything we can to better look after them for our kids and grandkids.
“That’s why we’re empowering First Nations communities to protect and manage Sea Country, while improving the health of our precious marine environment for the animals that call home.
“This funding is crucial to inform conservation and protection of our Australian Marine Parks.”
“These projects are a win for the West, a win for First Nations communities, and a win for oceans and everyone who cares about them.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman MP
“This funding is crucial to supporting knowledge sharing of Sea Country and increasing First Nations engagement in marine park management and priority setting.”
“With this investment, we will build ranger capacity and involvement in managing Sea Country that reaches into Australian Marine Parks in Commonwealth waters.”
Quotes attributable to the Senator Hon Sue Lines, Senate President
“Research into the preservation and protection of marine parks is vital for future conservation efforts.”
The traditional knowledge provided by First Nations communities is essential in caring for our land, river, and seas. I’m proud to be part of a government that invests in this knowledge.”