The Conservation Council has welcomed the commitment, negotiated by MLA Thomas Emerson, for the ACT Government to commit to hiring 10 new park rangers, marking a 33% increase in ranger capacity. This is a significant achievement that demonstrates the commitment of both the ACT government and our elected officials to the protection and defence of Australia’s beautiful environment. It arises as a result of the successful negotiations from the newly elected MLA Thomas Emerson following last year’s election result.
These rangers are the frontline defenders of nature in the ACT, and yet, for some time now, they have been under-resourced and understaffed. As the effects of climate change continue to detrimentally impact Australian ecosystems, now is as important a time as any to ensure that our National parks and reserves are protected and preserved.
These rangers are responsible for the protection of threatened ecosystems and cultural heritage sites, as well as the management of weeds and invasive species such as feral pigs, deer, foxes and cats. Their efforts are crucial for preserving the ecological health of our parks and reserves as well as for safeguarding biodiversity. It is through this commitment that we can enjoy nature and connect easily and peacefully.
This commitment to environmental protection is a significant step forward, showcasing the power of community consultation and engagement with scientific research. It reflects a genuine willingness by policymakers to listen and highlights the meaningful impact that communities can have on shaping policy.
The Invasive Species Council, who raised this issue as a priority ahead of the last election, described this commitment very well, simply saying it is “a significant step in helping to adequately resource and prioritise the incredibly important work by National Parks rangers.”
We couldn’t agree more.
We hope this is just the beginning of more long-term investment in caring for the country. We’re already working with Government to ensure this commitment is implemented and these rangers are put to work as soon as possible. For now, we celebrate this win, for rangers, for Canberra, and for the beautiful Australian environment.