Rangers from the Batavia Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation have commenced their dry season patrols and land management, which includes fuel reduction burning across Country. Photo: Supplied.
The Batavia Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (BTOAC) has commenced compliance patrols across Batavia Country as part of its annual dry season land management program.
The patrols will run until December, and are aimed at protecting the land, enforcing cultural and environmental protocols and supporting safe visitor behaviour during the critical fire season.
BTOAC said this season, the Batavia rangers, who are trained in environmental management and traditional fire practices, will be conducting patrols wearing body-worn cameras to ensure “transparency, accountability and the safety of all involved” as part of a compliance and community engagement approach that prioritises education, prevention and collaboration over enforcement.
As part of the dry season patrols, informative signage will be established throughout the region, including at main entry points, campsites, river crossings and culturally significant areas.
A spokesperson for the Northern Kaanju, Atambaya and Yinwum Traditional Owners who make up BTOAC urged visitors to areas like Batavia National Park to respect the local laws and Country itself.
“Batavia Country is open and welcoming to visitors, but we ask everyone to take time to understand and respect our land and laws,” the spokesperson said.
“Our rangers are here to help, to educate and to work together with locals and visitors to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the environment and all who use it.”
The patrols coincide with the beginning of the 2025 fire season, during which the rangers will undertake hazard reduction burns and traditional fire management practices in co-ordination with contractors, private landholders, pastoralists, and State Government agencies.
