Indigenous land management is a significant and successful sector of the Australian economy, delivering major social, cultural and environmental impact.
In Australia’s desert region, there are 28 Indigenous Protected Areas, which represent approximately 44% of the National Reserve System. For desert communities, the sector employs hundreds of Indigenous rangers and support staff.
Governments recognise both the economic and community benefits of ranger programs and the value of Indigenous land management to conservation commitments. For example, the Federal Government recently announced an investment of $1.3 billion in Indigenous ranger programs with aims to double the number of Indigenous rangers by the end of the decade. Private sector investments, including nature markets, are also boosting growth.
The Desert Ranger Sector Sustainability Plan is a call to action, to continue this growing momentum for sector development, focusing on the specific needs of Indigenous ranger programs based in the Australian desert region.
The long-term sustainability of the sector depends on the interconnectedness of Culture, Country and Community within ranger programs. Beyond job creation and environmental work, these programs must be designed around outcomes that matter most to desert rangers and their communities.
To ensure lasting impact, funding agreements must support not only wages but fit for purpose infrastructure, enhanced operational resourcing, and appropriate training and career pathways.
This plan offers a strategic framework for securing the long-term sustainability of the desert ranger sector. It addresses key challenges with practical solutions through seven focused actions:
- Strengthen representation – Ensuring Indigenous desert rangers have a voice in national land management discussions and policy decisions.
- Align funding with community priorities – Ensuring contracts and policies reflect the real needs of Indigenous desert ranger programs.
- Improve cultural competence – Encouraging funders and policymakers to develop a deeper understanding of desert communities.
- Reform funding agreements – Recognising that Indigenous ranger work delivers interconnected environmental, cultural, and social benefits.
- Invest in infrastructure and resources – Providing Indigenous desert ranger teams with the tools they need to operate effectively.
- Expand operational funding – Covering the full cost of running ranger programs beyond just wages.
- Support training and career pathways – Creating long-term employment opportunities for Indigenous rangers.
By acting now, decision makers and funding partners have a unique opportunity to secure the future of this vitally successful desert ranger sector. With the right investment, policies, and support, desert ranger teams can continue to protect desert Country while strengthening Indigenous communities for generations to come.
