Indigenous rangers get $102m in funding for critical role protecting environment

Traditional owners say deal will provide job security and support families in remote and regional Australia

The federal government has committed $102m over the next seven years to support Indigenous rangers, who are playing a "critical role" in protecting our environment, the environment minister, Sussan Ley, says.

Indigenous protected areas (IPAs) make up about 45%, or 67m hectares, of Australia's network of national parks and reserves, and hold some of the most culturally significant and biodiverse lands on the continent.