The Wet Tropics Management Authority and Terrain NRM have opened a second round of Rainforest Aboriginal Grants of up to $15,000.
The grants of between $5,000 and $15,000 aim to assist Traditional Owner groups in managing cultural and natural values on country.
By combining resources, the two organisations were able to offer more than $120,000 across 10 projects in the first round of grants, which included a signage project, cultural heritage mapping and the recording of traditional ecological knowledge.
The Authority’s Project Officer (Aboriginal Partnerships) Alicia Haines said the grants would help groups to prepare cultural and natural resource management projects for implementation.
“The Rainforest Aboriginal Grants are an excellent opportunity for Traditional Owner groups to kick-start a range of projects on their traditional land and sea estates in the Wet Tropics,” Ms Haines said.
“We received submissions for a range of projects during the first round of funding in March this year and similarly expect strong interest for round two.”
Community Partnerships Officer Vanessa Drysdale said Terrain’s grants of between $5,000 and $15,000 would focus on supporting development of country based plans, leadership, mentoring and encourage knowledge sharing opportunities for Traditional Owner Groups across the Wet Tropics.
“We are excited to assist groups to develop country based plans, access mentoring and training opportunities and engagement with other Traditional Owner groups,” Ms Drysdale said.
Funding from the Wet Tropics Management Authority for projects between $5,000 and $10,000 is available to develop World Heritage partnerships, fulfil traditional land management practice and enhance cultural recognition and presentation of cultural values.
Groups including private indigenous-owned enterprises, ranger groups and registered native title body corporates within the Wet Tropics NRM Region or Wet Tropics World Heritage area are encouraged to apply.
Expressions of interest are open until 3 November 2017 and may be accessed and submitted at terrain.org.au.