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Indigenous employment package a major boost for Far North Qld Conservation - 09/08/07
The Wilderness Society (TWS) today welcomed Premier Peter Beattie’s announcement of a significant Indigenous development and conservation package in Queensland. The package includes confirmation of 20 Indigenous Ranger positions, a “Looking after Country Together” land and sea management program, and a “Draft Cape York and Torres Straight Tourism Development Action Plan”.
“The Premier’s announcement is exactly what Cape York Peninsula needs: commitments to real jobs and real funding, with a focus on conservation and Indigenous land and sea management, and sustainable economic activities” said Mr Anthony Esposito of The Wilderness Society.
“Indigenous conservation contributes directly to environmental and cultural protection, and benefits all Australians by looking after special places like Cape York.
“Tourism is the number one potential growth sector for Indigenous jobs on Cape York Peninsula. The tourism action plan is an important step to realising the immense potential of the conservation economy on Cape York Peninsula” said Mr Esposito.
“As part of the Premier’s election commitment to create 100 Indigenous Wild Rivers Ranger jobs, 20 new Indigenous ranger positions will now be allocated for Cape York Peninsula.
“The Premier has promised to protect 13 of the magnificent wild rivers of Cape York Peninsula, so this will significantly increase the capacity of communities to care for their rivers. The proposed native title amendments to the Wild Rivers Act 2005 will also strengthen Indigenous involvement in the declaration and management of these rivers” said Mr Esposito.
“Today’s positive announcement builds on the new conservation and development initiatives that will come out of the Premier’s Cape York Peninsula Heritage Bill 2007 and related policies, including clear pathways to World Heritage listing, protection of Wild Rivers on Cape York, and the joint management of National Parks” concluded Mr Esposito.
Media Enquiries: Anthony Esposito
National
Manager - Indigenous Conservation Program
The
Wilderness Society Inc (07) 3846 1420
Glenn
Walker
Wild
Rivers Campaigner
The
Wilderness Society (Qld) Inc (07)
3846 1420