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[ 27 ] 8. Benefits and costs of creating Ranger Parks A regional initiative with multiple benefits When the Western Australian Government purchased specially selected pastoral leases for conservation 20 years ago, it had a positive and visionary goal – to help diversify and strengthen regional economies and protect our state’s unique Outback landscapes for future generations.31 Back then, the benefits of this approach were clear. Today, with proven knowledge of the multiple social and economic benefits of Indigenous ranger programs from around Australia and an opportunity to implement the Create Ranger Parks proposal, the case to declare these former pastoral lease properties as parks is even more compelling. This new, low-cost public-private partnership model of land management will provide real employment for remote and regional Aboriginal communities. It will strengthen our regions in a post-boom economy, save rare and important species, resolve long-standing conflict between government and pastoral leaseholders and create more parks that allow more people to experience our incredible Outback. Create Ranger Parks will allow these properties to reach their full potential. 1.  Creation of 212 regional and remote jobs for Western Australian Aboriginal people. 2.  Proven health and social benefits in disadvantaged remote communities – including reduced rates of imprisonment and welfare dependence, stronger connections between elders and younger generations and a greater sense of pride and purpose. 3.  Savings in priority areas of government expenditure such as health, policing, corrective services, housing and welfare. For every $1 invested, $3.70 worth of value will be created for Western Australia, of which $2.30 will be a direct benefit for government. 4.  Greater government efficiencies in delivering triple bottom line outcomes via a new public-private partnership model with non- government organisations. 5.  Increased return on investment, accountability and standards in land management. 6.  Increased regional development opportunities via tourism nodes and cultural enterprises within Ranger Parks. 7.  Five million hectares of new parks for people, showcasing Western Australia’s exceptional biodiversity. 8.  Improvements in relations with pastoral leaseholders due to new potential sources of income, improved shared infrastructure and greater input on park management priorities. 9.  The ‘jewels in the crown’ of Western Australia’s Outback will be protected, addressing shortcomings in reservation targets and protection of rare and endangered species. Almost 500 Aboriginal heritage sites will be offered protection and knowledge will be passed onto younger generations. Pastoral heritage will be preserved. 10. Create Ranger Parks will support the implementation of existing policies, plans and initiatives, including Regional Development Commission Blueprints, ‘Closing the Gap’ in Indigenous disadvantage and the Western Australia Auditor-General’s Report on Suicide Prevention. Benefits for Western Australians