Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62[ 7 ] 3.The Create Ranger Parks proposal So how does it work? Step 1 Indigenous rangers Government contracts qualified and preferably locally-based non- government organisations that have a track record in delivering good land management and training. Their 10 year mission is to work with Traditional Owners to develop skilled and well-managed Indigenous ranger teams drawn from remote and regional communities, and to establish park infrastructure. This new, low-cost, public-private partnership approach to land management would be carefully introduced over time. It would start with a demonstration of 1 million hectares on properties where capacity and requests for ranger jobs are strongest, and would then extend to the remainder of the Ranger Parks network. After 10 years, or sooner if standards are met, ranger groups would assume full management responsibility. Each group is required to be accountable within state-wide development and conservation strategies set by government, in consultation with stakeholders in regional and metropolitan areas. Junior ranger programs to be established in remote and regional schools. Step 2 New parks Finish the job started 20 years ago. Diversify regional land use and secure the opportunity that these former pastoral lease properties offer by declaring them joint-vested national parks or conservation parks. The Ranger Parks would be vested in Traditional Owner groups and government, and proceed only with Traditional Owner consent after the signing of Indigenous Land Use Agreements. All Ranger Parks would be gazetted within two terms of government with at least half listed as fully- protected A-class parks. Step 3 Regional and remote development Identify and develop sustainable tourism, cultural and other regional development opportunities associated with the new Ranger Parks. Assign ‘preferred supplier status’ to nearby businesses, giving them an edge to win contracts to establish and service the Ranger Parks. Ensure infrastructure that is shared with neighbours receives priority attention. Step 4  Working together, managing country Ensure that Ranger Parks are consistent with local and regional plans and aspirations. The Ranger Parks should complement, not compete with, existing projects, proposals and businesses. In genuine collaboration with surrounding neighbours, control weeds, feral animals and fire. Restore degraded areas, maintain infrastructure and protect natural and cultural values. Work with community groups to protect and restore our shared heritage. Step 5 Parks for people Create opportunities for all Western Australians to enjoy these remarkable natural places by providing access, camping facilities and other infrastructure in ways that sustain the local plants and animals. Cater for different visitor demands, from well-serviced camp grounds through to wilderness experiences. Step 6 Evaluate and improve Ensure high standards in delivering social, economic and conservation outcomes by establishing a comprehensive and transparent evaluation and auditing program. Reliable, independently gathered information will be needed to fine tune this innovative approach to park management. Create Ranger Parks is a new model for conservation that bundles proven success stories in an innovative program to bring about reliable social and economic outcomes. It combines public parks for conservation with Indigenous ranger programs in a low-cost public-private partnership approach to deliver multiple benefits in regional and remote Western Australia. This proposal arises from three years of conversation and consultation with a diversity of Traditional Owners, stakeholders and experts.