MINISTER for Aboriginal Affairs Tim Bull, announced $90,000 in Victorian Coalition Government funding to support Martang Pty Ltd to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and facilitate economic development.
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Joining Martang community leaders at an event in Ararat with the Nationals candidate for Ripon, Scott Turner, Mr Bull said the funding will provide continued assistance to the organisation in delivering key responsibilities under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
"The Martang Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) represents the Djab Wurrung peoples located east of the Grampians Ranges, in managing their rich cultural heritage," Mr Bull said.
"Victorian Coalition Government funding will enable Martang RAP to continue its important work evaluating and approving cultural heritage management plans to facilitate job-creating infrastructure projects such as the upgrade of the Western Highway."
Mr Turner said the funding will ensure Martang has the capacity to work with key stakeholders east of the Grampians including Ararat, Pyrenees, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Northern Grampians' local government councils to deliver economic development alongside management of the region's significant cultural heritage.
"The Victorian Coalition Government is empowering Aboriginal people to have a strong voice in managing their cultural heritage," Mr Turner said.
"Today's announcement demonstrates the Coalition's strong commitment to protecting and promoting Aboriginal cultural heritage for the benefit of all current and future Victorians."
Mr Turner said supporting Martang deliver its heritage responsibilities builds on Coalition Government investments to strengthen community and economic opportunities in Ararat, such as the $1,150,000 Alexandra Oval community recreation centre project, $120,000 Barkly Street footpath upgrade and $280,000 investment in a strategic plan and implementation of public toilets that will attract more tourists and shoppers into the rural city.
Mr Bull congratulated Martang members for their leadership role working constructively with the Victorian Government in the development of a stronger and more efficient cultural heritage protection system.