Mabuiag Ranger program launched

Sunday, 31 May 2009 07:05

Mabuiag Island community officially has launched its Ranger Project, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), the Torres Strait Islands Regional Council (TSIRC) and the Goemulgaw Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC).

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TSRA Deputy Chairperson Ms Napcia Bin Tahal, who was a signatory, said this was the first MOU of its kind in the Torres Strait and represented a good-will partnership between all three parties, made possible through the TSRA administered Torres Strait Indigenous Ranger Program.”

TSIRC Mayor Fred Gela says the launch of the Ranger Program on Mabuiag represents the first step towards empowering Torres Strait Islanders to play an active role in the preservation of delicate land and sea resources.

“The launch of the Mabuiag Ranger Program is the realisation of a vision long held by our people. A vision where we proactively protect and care for our environment for the generations to come.

“It bridges the gap between science and local knowledge. With significant input from Prescribed Body Corporates and communities, Rangers will be given the necessary tools and training to monitor and report on land, sea and wildlife conditions.”

Ms Bin Tahal said: “The TSRA, through its Torres Strait Indigenous Ranger Program, has allocated $756,800 to the Mabuiag Ranger Project.

“Under this Program, we aim to support Rangers to care for our land and sea country, and protect and preserve the region’s heritage by monitoring and reporting on environmental conditions and establishing greater awareness of traditional knowledge, practices and protocols.

“Through the Mabuiag Island Ranger Project MOU signed today, TSRA, TSIRC and the Goemulgaw PBC have made a commitment to: 

work together to implement the Mabuiag Island Ranger Project;

share the ownership of any information gathered during the Project or generated by the project (with the exception of sensitive cultural, traditional or sacred  information);

undertake negotiations and communications to strengthen the partnership relationship;

support open and transparent decision-making, and;

ensure that emergent issues are addressed and actions be adapted to meet planned outcomes.

“The roles of each party have been defined to ensure that the Rangers have a well coordinated regional and local support network in place.

“This includes the TSRA managing the overall contract to deliver the Project, the TSIRC administering the employment and day to day management of three fulltime Rangers, including the provision of office space, and the Goemulgaw PBC providing guidance and advice on their community’s land and sea management priorities.

“The MOU signifies a positive step towards realising self determination in the management of traditional land and sea country as well as in the sustainable management of land and sea resources.

“I would like to acknowledge the TSIRC and the Goemulgaw PBC for their partnership and participation in this important project, and I also wish to thank the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country Program for their support,” Ms Bin Tahal said.

Mayor Gela said: “The Mabuiag Ranger Program is the first in a series to be rolled out throughout the Torres Strait which will include Badu, Boigu, Erub, Iama, Kaiwalagal, Mer and Moa.

“The idea for a Ranger Program on Mabuiag was instigated by the community. It was later championed by Mabuiag Island Council, in partnership with the TSRA and today has been made possible by hard work and commitment from the TSIRC, TSRA, PBC and funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Program.

“In total there will be 21 Rangers employed in the TSIRC region with one Senior Ranger and two Rangers to be based in each of the communities. Training will be provided to successful applicants so I encourage all interested parties to apply.

“The Rangers will be performing vital tasks such as monitoring and managing marine wildlife, undertaking weed and feral animal management, developing turtle and dugong management plans and undertaking fire management activities.

“Congratulations to our Mabuiag Senior Ranger, Terrence Whap and the two Rangers Charlie Hankin and David Amber. We know that with your drive and enthusiasm the Ranger Program in Mabuiag will be a success.”

Goemulgaw PBC Chairperson and Senior Mabuyagiw Ranger Mr Terrence Whap said he was pleased that after 18 months of hard work between the Goemulgaw PBC, TSRA and TSIRC, the MOU signing and witnessing is finally in place. The PBC played a key role in obtaining community advice and support for this Ranger project and I would like to acknowledge in particular traditional owners for their involvement,” said Mr Whap.

“This Project will further assist to build our community capacity by providing training, equipment and employment, and will also help to build a foundation for our community to manage and conserve our islands and sea.  

“It also provides us with an opportunity to expand our knowledge in management practices and as Senior Ranger, the Rangers are looking forward to taking part in exchange programs to learn and share from other Indigenous Rangers in the country  and see how we can apply or adapt their ideas on Mabuyag (Mabuiag),” Mr Whap said.

The MOU is for a period of four years and will be reviewed by all parties on an annual basis. 

It is planned that the Ranger Program be rolled throughout the Torres Strait on a staggered basis, with Rangers planned for Badu, Boigu, Iama, Erub, Mer and Moa Islands as well as the Kaiwalagal region in the near future.