Butchulla Land & Sea Rangers

The Butchulla Land and Sea Ranger (BLSR) Program began in 2018 as a way for Butchulla people to formally re-engage with looking after K'gari. Our Rangers are employed to conduct a variety of Land and Sea management that is guided by a combination of cultural knowledge and western science. These activities include cultural site management, weed control, biodiversity surveys and protection, rubbish collection, and visitor management and engagement.

We are always looking to grow our ranger program both in terms of creating more ranger positions and also in terms of expanding operations and autonomy over how the program is organised and the types of work undertaken.

K’gari Cultural Tours

BAC is currently developing K'gari Cultural Tours, which will operate as the only Indigenous-owned tourism business on the island. 

KCT’s delivery of cultural tourism represents the start of a dramatic change to the visitor experience on K’gari - not only through education and understanding from sharing history and culture, but significantly through a permanent and noticeable Butchulla presence. Together, this will contribute to the economic and social empowerment of all Butchulla people and consolidate K’gari as a jewel in the crown of Queensland tourism.

The key outcomes of this project include the following:

  • A well-functioning and commercially successful Butchulla-owned and managed cultural tourism enterprise (KCT)

  • The promotion of K’gari as a place of rich and continuing Butchulla Indigenous heritage

  • Opportunities for Butchulla people to work in an industry that recognises and promotes Butchulla culture

  • An industry-leading cultural tourism experience for visitors to K’gari that diversifies, broadens and complements the existing tourism market

  • A range of Indigenous tourism services and experiences on K’gari delivered by local Indigenous people

  • An Indigenous Tourism enterprise to add significant value to the investments made to redevelop Central Station

  • The realisation of the K’gari Central Station Masterplan that emphasizes the need for greater promotion and awareness of Indigenous culture for visitors to K’gari

  • The foundation for delivering an expanded set of Indigenous tourism services in other areas of K’gari (beyond Central Station)

  • Partnerships and improved relationships between BAC and QPWS&P, and commercial tourism operators on K’gari

  • The implementation of business systems and protocols for Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation that enable them to effectively run a financially viable tourism enterprise over the long-term

To find out more about KCT, the products it offers, and to make bookings, visit their website at www.kctweb.essolution.com.au

Partners

BAC continues to attract and maintain partnerships with various external organisations, including government bodies, not-for-profit organisations, educational institutions and private companies. 

These partnerships are vital for BAC to continue to pursue our aspirations for our culture, environment, and community. Some of our partners are listed below:

  • Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport)

  • Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program

  • University of the Sunshine Coast

  • Kingfisher Bay Resort

  • Fraser Island Natural Integrity Alliance

  • Goorie Vision

  • Environmental Systems Solutions

  • Indigenous Economic Development

  • Nyanda Life