Inaugural grant program announced for Cape York First Nations to protect significant areas

To support Cape York Traditional Owner groups in protecting areas of cultural and natural significance on their Country, the Queensland Government is providing funding through the inaugural round of a new grant program.

Off the back of major announcements including the acquisition of Bramwell and Richardson stations as well as the $38.5 million extension of the Cape York Tenure Resolution Program, QLD Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the State Government would provide grants of between $30,000 and $50,000 to fund cultural heritage assessments and prepare submissions for places to achieve national heritage listing.

Minister Scanlon noted “This initiative supports Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in that next step to have areas of cultural and natural significance on their Country progress to national heritage listing and ultimately towards world heritage recognition.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is the oldest living culture in the world – and it’s important that we protect it, so we can continue to on the path towards reconciliation and recognise its unique significance.”

Australia’s National Heritage List documents places of outstanding heritage importance to Australia as a nation, and is managed by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

Applications for funding under the 2022 Cape York Heritage Assessment Grant Program will close at midnight Friday 29th July 2022.

Information on the grant program and the guidelines for applying are available at parks.des.qld.gov.au/management/managed-areas/world-heritage-areas/potential/cape-york

More information on Australia’s National Heritage List 

Image: QLD Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon making the announcement of inaugural grant