The state government has announced 54 new First Nations rangers for 13 communities including in North West Queensland.
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Funding will provide four rangers at Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation on behalf of Waanyi PBC with another four at Camooweal's Indjalandji-Dhidhanu Aboriginal Corporation,
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the government would invest $24 million to help First Nations organisations foster the next generation of community leaders and added to the government's work on Queensland's Path to Treaty.
"Jobs have never been more important as we deal with the pandemic and Queensland's COVID-19 economic recovery plan, and so to be able to deliver something like this just has so many benefits," she said.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford this week spent three days in Doomadgee and under the expanded indigenous ranger program the local Waanyi people will for the first time get four ranger positions to be based at Gregory Downs.
"These rangers are the next generation of leaders, they have a real sense of pride in putting on the uniform," he said.
"They get to work On Country, protect natural jewels like Boodjamulla, the kids look up to them, it really works."
Waanyi PBC chairman Alec Doomadgee said it was a dream of his late Dad and tribal lawman Don George.
"To know his dream of ranger program is about to become a reality is a powerful emotion,'' Mr Doomadgee said.
"I am over the moon. Waanyi mob are all about healing and caring for country. "It gives us employment, and a chance to share our spiritual and cultural practices. "It's something we are passionate about.''
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