The Federal Government yesterday announced $20 million in funding support for better social, cultural and environmental outcomes on Cape York Peninsula.

The package includes $17 million for the continued acquisition of properties of natural and cultural significance through the Cape York tenure resolution process, and $3 million for community consultation towards a possible World Heritage listing for Cape York, with the consent of Traditional Owners.

The announcement was welcomed by environment group, the Australian Conservation Foundation.

“This funding will continue to provide a good foundation for better long-term opportunities for the people of Cape York Peninsula,” said ACF CEO Don Henry.

“Land tenure reform, arising from conservation and Indigenous cooperation, has seen the return to Traditional Owners of nearly two million hectares of land on Cape York through 13 different Indigenous land trusts."

Cape York is known for its rich, living Indigenous cultures, extensive areas of rainforest, tropical Barrier Reef coastline, wetlands and a great diversity of wildlife.

“We believe there is potential for World Heritage listing to recognise Cape York’s outstanding natural and cultural values, with Traditional Owner consent,” Mr Henry said.

The federal government package also includes $5 million for Traditional Owner engagement in community-based turtle and dugong projects.

“(The) announcement recognises the important role of Traditional Owners in community consultation and appropriate engagement processes and their connection and expertise in land and sea management,” said ACF’s Cape York Program Officer Leah Talbot.

“This federal government funding will help make Traditional Owners central to future decisions about and for the people and the environment of Cape York Peninsula,” she said.