A collaborative approach to land rehabilitation at Cox Peninsula in the Northern Territory (NT), has seen Ventia and the Northern Land Councils Kenbi Ranger Group (Kenbi Rangers), awarded Best Collaboration in Natural Resource Management in the NT Natural Resource Management Awards.

The award recognises organisations who have built strong partnerships to achieve significant natural resource management outcomes - sustainably managing and maintaining the NT natural environment.

Nan-Maree Schoerie, General Manager Utility Services, Ventia said, "We're proud to work alongside the Kenbi Rangers and the traditional owners of the land.

A combination of the Kenbi Rangers' knowledge, and Ventia's remediation expertise, is integral in the management of the Cox Peninsula's natural resources. It's wonderful to be recognised for our contribution.

The Cox Peninsula had a legacy of 120 years as a maritime, communications and defence site. Ventia was engaged by the Commonwealth Government to rehabilitate the land to be returned to its traditional owners.

From the outset of the project, Ventia involved the community to understand their objectives, build an understanding and involvement around cultural sensitivities, and to ensure ongoing Indigenous employment.

As part of this commitment, Ventia engaged the Kenbi Rangers to deliver land management, heritage monitoring, site labour, transport and security services.

Ventia also extended training opportunities to each member of the Rangers, providing individuals with additional skills for the future, including first aid, low voltage rescue, groundwater monitoring, plant operation competency verification, risk management and asbestos awareness and removal.

Two Kenbi Rangers also visited Ventia's groundwater monitoring team in Victoria, learning how to periodically monitor the groundwater around the permanent containment cell at the site.

With the project due for completion in early 2017, this transfer of knowledge will see an ongoing focus on managing the land at Cox Peninsula.

"Congratulations to the Ventia team and to the Kenbi Rangers, who have, and will continue to sustainably manage the future of Cox Peninsula," said Nan-Maree Schoerie.

 

Pictured: Northern Land Councils Kenbi Ranger Group and Ventia representatives accept the Best Collaboration in Natural Resource Management award at the NT Natural Resource Management Awards. Image provided by Territory Natural Resource Management.