Image: (available on request): A mock-up of what the vessel will look like.
Production is underway for a new Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation vessel to support MAC to manage the islands of the Dampier Archipelago.
The custom-built 5.8 metre, rigid-hulled inflatable boat, will be able to carry six people and is due to be delivered in mid-2025.
MAC thanks the State Government through Lotterywest, who today announced a $204,232 contribution towards the boat, a trailer and equipment; and Woodside Energy, who have contributed $390,626 towards the boat, extra camera equipment and two years of operating costs.
MAC congratulates the Pilbara Ranger Network, which includes MAC, on today receiving $4.12 million over three years from Lotterywest.
Comments attributable to MAC Chairperson Peter Hicks:
“This funding has enabled MAC to do what the Elders have always wanted MAC to do: to look after sea country and islands, as well as the Burrup.
“MAC has done a lot of work on the islands, including heritage and environmental research and management; taking Elders and visitors out and in recent years, conducting rock art and air quality monitoring.
“However, since our former vessel, the Topaz, was retired in 2022, we have relied on chartering vessels or partnering with other organisations to get out to the islands.
“With a formal joint management arrangement for the islands coming soon, it is important that MAC has the skills and ability in-house to get to the islands whenever we need to.
“The RHIB was chosen because it suits inshore waters, has good access on the bow for disembarking and unloading on beaches and it will meet the Rangers’ needs as they build their boating skills.
“Five of the Rangers have completed coxswain training and are currently gaining sea hours to secure coxswain certificates.
“In addition, through MAC’s partnership with Flinders University, six Rangers are working on gaining a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificate to enable them to do underwater archaeology.
“A big thank you to the Environment Minister Reece Whitby through Lotterywest, and Woodside Energy Group, for their generous contributions, which have enabled us to put an order in for the boat.”
For more information or media inquiries, please contact: communications@murujuga.org.au.