The Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger program cares for land and sea country and increases the participation of Indigenous people in environmental management.

Through providing employment and capacity building opportunities, the program aims to: 

• promote the protection of Queensland’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, drawing on First Nations peoples’ knowledge in land and sea management 
• strengthen and support stewardship of land and sea country by First Nations communities 
• support continuous learning (both western and traditional) for Indigenous rangers 
• increase conservation jobs and conservation economy opportunities for communities where rangers operate.

What funding is available?

In June 2025 the Destination 2045 Tourism Strategy was released, stating that 30 new Indigenous Land and Sea ranger positions will be funded as part of the election commitment for 150 additional National Park and Indigenous rangers.

There are a further eight positions specifically allocated for the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB).

Additionally, there are six unallocated positions that will also be included in this funding round.

Applications for grant funding for these 44 ranger positions are now invited.

Who can apply?

Organisations that operate in Queensland and meet the following requirements can apply for funding:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander not-for-profit organisations incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006, Corporations Act 2001, Associations Incorporations Act 1981 or other legislation.
• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations applying at the request of Traditional Owner groups, that can demonstrate that they have the authority of, and will work in partnership with, the Traditional Owners for areas on which it is intended the rangers work.
• Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) community councils or Aboriginal Shire Councils that are applying on behalf of Traditional Owner groups.

To be eligible to apply for funding, organisations must also not currently have overdue acquittals or reports in relation to any other grant funding provided by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Where an eligible organisation is applying as a sponsor or auspice for a Traditional Owner group, evidence of an agreement between the applicant organisation and a body representing the Traditional Owners will be required. This will be sought from applicant organisations who are short-listed for Stage 2 (see below) and will need to address matters including governance arrangements and extent of proposed establishment support.

• Phone: (07) 3330 5553
• Email: LandandSea@des.qld.gov.au