Bungie Helicopters has been working closely with Indigenous Rangers across Cape York for over 15 years and are proud to be associated with our indigenous people who are constantly surveying and caring for our land, ocean and reefs.
We assist the rangers all over Cape York on a regular basis with aerial surveying, aerial spotting, stock and feral animal control and more recently were involved with the Indigenous Ranger Compliance Training Program developed and delivered at the Yaku Baja Muliko Ranger Base. This training was delivered to 24 participants who undertook the Certificate IV in Government Statutory Compliance
Most of us don’t get to see what goes on behind the scenes as these men and women work on a daily basis to protect our land and ocean. They have specialised programs focussed on protecting the dugongs and turtles which play such an important part in the ecosystems of the reef.
In fact the dugong population statistics of a certain area can be used as an indicator of general ecosystem health. Did you know the dugong can grow up to 3 metres in length and weigh as much as 400 kilograms? The Queensland Government have listed the dugong as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ and in Australia they are protected by various pieces of legislation. In fact, Australia has the largest, and globally most important, refuge for dugong…. makes them worth protecting don’t you think?
Our marine turtles are also very special 🙂 We have six of the world’s seven species living in the waters around Australia and all of those six can be found in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. They are often called the ancient mariner’s of the sea and it’s said they have been around since the dinosaur age… more than 150 million years ago ??!! About half of the species have been listed as endangered and our Indigenous Rangers play an important role in protecting them.
So…congratulations to all participants of the recent training program. We support the work you do and will continue to do all we possibly can to assist you in your mission to ensure this beautiful country and it’s inhabitants are protected for many years to come.
Signing out from the Bungie Heli Crew … Happy New Year!
