![Parts of a Commonwealth funding boost for national parks is set to be used to restore or replace crocodile warning signs in the Top End. Parts of a Commonwealth funding boost for national parks is set to be used to restore or replace crocodile warning signs in the Top End.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/181547318/60bb2e11-233f-4e62-91c0-b21edd41084c.jpg/r0_0_283_212_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
A Commonwealth Government funding boost of $262.3 million for national parks across the country has been welcomed by a land council representing the Indigenous people of the Top End of the Northern Territory.
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Northern Land Council Chair and NT Senior Australian of the year, Samuel Bush-Blanasi said extra funding was needed, especially in the world-famous Kakadu National Park.
"If you go there you see will how many improvements can be made now that the Government is providing this investment," he said.
The investment aims to address critical infrastructure needs, including updating unsafe equipment, fixing inadequate signage, providing essential ranger housing, and refurbishing rundown facilities like the Kakadu Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Mayor for West Arnhem Regional Council and Chair of NLC's West Arnhem Regional Council, Matthew Ryan, applauded the Government and Minister Plibersek for the support.
"We have been asking for more funding for years. I want to thank Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Plibersek for making this happen," he said.
Part of the funding will go to repairing the roof at Jim Jim Rangers station at Kakadu, which is peeling off, and improving crocodile warning signs, important for visitor safety, which in some places are broken or missing.
The funding will also be used to boost conservation activities and cultural heritage management.
Dr Bush-Blanasi and Mayor Ryan said it was vital that local Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Rangers continued to care for country and protect their ancient cultural heritage.
"Kakadu belongs to all Australians but it also belongs to the local Traditional Owners who have been caring for their country through ceremony and culture for 60,000 years," Mr Ryan said.
"I am excited about the benefit for Traditional Owners, for local Aboriginal businesses, jobs and Aboriginal tourism. It means we can all look forward to the future with pride in our hearts."
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