Young Aborigines to work on conservation projects

22/2/93

Young Aboriginal people will be given 'hands-on' experience in nature conservation projects under a program to be undertaken by the State Government. 

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said the Department of Conservation and Land Management would fund a series of conservation projects jointly developed by the department and Aboriginal groups and communities. 

"The first project will see a group of young Aborigines employed to carry out work in the Gnangara pine plantation," Mr Minson said. 

"The plantation is important for recreation, timber production and protection of soil and water. 

"Over several years this forest has been abused by people dumping rubbish and abandoning vehicles." 

Mr Minson, who is also Aboriginal Affairs Minister, said the vehicles and rubbish had been set alight in the past, starting wildfires which damaged the forest and put lives and property at risk. 

Six young Aborigines would be employed for seven weeks to tidy up the plantation - gaining an insight into natural resource management. 

"The project will also make the plantation much more attractive to visitors," Mr Minson said. 

"The initiative has been developed by CALM in co-operation with the Northside Aboriginal Corporation - which is based in Balga - and will utilise a grant of $28,300." 

Mr Minson said that a total of $120,000 would be spent on using the services of Aboriginal people in Conservation and Land Management projects. 

"The projects will not only serve in developing conservation skills among young Aboriginal people - expressions of interest are also being called for from Aboriginal communities interested in sharing their own traditional skills that would benefit nature conservation," he said.

Media reference: Casey Cahill 222 9595