Funding from the INPEXoperated Ichthys LNG Project is supporting jobs, culture and improved environmental outcomes on the Tiwi Islands. The Tiwi Island rangers are the first group to receive operational funding support from the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG Project’s $34 million Savanna Fire Management (SFM) program. The program is managed and delivered by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) to offset greenhouse gas emissions from Ichthys LNG. It is one of a number of programs that form part of the Project’s voluntary commitments with the NT Government.

“Tiwi people want to develop economic opportunities, and the carbon market presents some exciting possibilities for future management of our land,” Tiwi Land Council Chairman, Gibson Farmer Illortaminni said. “Partnering with the ILC and INPEX will provide more jobs for Tiwi Rangers to burn for carbon and also to protect our Tiwi plants and animals.”

Early dry season, managed burning of tropical savanna can significantly reduce the rates of large-scale destruction of natural bushland, biodiversity and cultural values. “The SFM program will enable groups’ access to start-up funds to assist governance, capacity and business development for new projects,” ILC’s Deputy CEO Tricia Button said. INPEX General Manager External Affairs and Joint Venture, Bill Townsend, said INPEX is committed to establishing meaningful, sustainable relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to addressing climate change. “The Tiwi Islands savanna fire management project is a powerful demonstration of the positive job, cultural, community and environmental outcomes the SFM program will support,” Mr Townsend said. For more information about the Savanna Fire Management program, contact sfmprogram@ilc.gov.au