The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water announced more than $540,000 in grant funding for Traditional Owner groups across the Great Barrier Reef.
The grants, up to $36,500 each, will enable the purchase of technology such as drones, computers, and software to support reef monitoring and restoration activities.
Funding Details
- Total funding: over $540,000
- Number of grants: more than 16
- Maximum per grant: $36,500
- Delivered in partnership with: the Great Barrier Reef Foundation
Recipient Projects
Mungalla Aboriginal Corporation for Business
Purchasing audio and visual recording equipment for Nywaigi Traditional Owners to document restoration work, cultural knowledge, and environmental monitoring.
Buda Dji Aboriginal Development Association Aboriginal Corporation
Replacing outdated technology with modern equipment, including two drones, to support Djabugay Rangers' waterway monitoring.
Koinmerburra Aboriginal Corporation
Acquiring thermal and underwater drone equipment to monitor diverse landscapes, including the Reef. This will also establish a fee-for-service training program for neighboring Traditional Owner ranger groups.
Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
Purchasing new equipment for rangers, including cane toad traps to protect K'gari's aquatic biodiversity and water values.
Context
These grants build on work under the Australian Government's Reef Trust Partnership. Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt stated that the funding supports First Nations groups in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. The government allocated an additional $91.8 million in the 2024-2025 Federal Budget for reef management. Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden noted the organization's collaboration with over 50 Traditional Owner groups through the Reef Trust Partnership.