Djunbunji Land and Sea Program

Straddling the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas in Far North Queensland, Mandingalbay Yidinji country lies just east of Cairns across Trinity Inlet and includes a great diversity of environments – marine areas, mangroves, freshwater wetlands, rainforest clad mountains, coastal plains, beaches, reefs and islands.

During the past 50 years, much of Mandingalbay Yidinji country was divided into government protected areas, including Grey Peaks National Park, East Trinity Environmental Reserve, Malbon Thompson Forest Reserve, Giangurra Reserve, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Commonwealth and State), Trinity Inlet Fish Habitat Area and Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).

In 2010 traditional owners established the Djunbunji Land and Sea Program to actively engage in the management of country on behalf of Mandingalbay Yidinji people. Djunbunji Land and Sea Program provides a sustainable ranger service on Mandingalbay Yidinji country with a team of Aboriginal Rangers and a Land and Sea Coordinator based at Grey Peaks National Park. 

Djunbunji Land and Sea Rangers play a key role in the management of invasive animal and plant control, protection and management of significant cultural and biodiversity sites, revegetation, remediation, fire management and education programs.

Djunbunji Land and Sea Rangers work closely with our partner agencies such as the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Wet Tropics Management Authority, Cairns Regional Council, Tangaroa Blue and other natural resource management agencies.

The work of the rangers extends beyond just environmental management and incorporates a traditional knowledge recording program and seasonal cultural heritage activities. This work documents, records and transfers Mandingalbay Yidinji ecological and cultural knowledge from current to future generations.

Djunbunji Land and Sea Rangers also undertake exchange visits and knowledge sharing with universities, local schools and other Indigenous communities.