The Arafura Swamp is considered unique in its size and range of relatively intact wetlands in the Northern Territory, with the paperbark forests kept well-watered through the dry season by springs along the Goyder River.
The Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation (ASRAC) recently launched their 10-year Healthy Country Plan, with support from Bush Heritage Australia, to protect Aboriginal culture, knowledge and ecosystems across 1.2 million hectares of East Arnhem Land.
Australia’s largest wooded swampland is just part of a 12,000 square kilometre block of land in the Northern Territory that will be managed for the next decade by more than 20 Aboriginal clans under a new management plan.
Not long after dawn has broken over Murwangi, a patient crocodile hides in the shade near a plump of unsuspecting ducks, and the barramundi seem eager to bite every time Peter Djigirr and Marley Djangirr toss their lures into the billabong.
A group of Indigenous rangers are working to save the Arafura swamp after years of neglect and damage by feral animals.
The Healthy Country Plan was prepared for ASRAC by Yolŋu and Bi clans and families, the traditional owners and djungkayi of the land and sea that is connected to Gurruwiling (the Arafura Swamp).
Overview report on Arafura Swamp Sites of Conservation Significance, Northern Territory Government.
Report on population estimate of Asian water buffalo and wild cattle in the Arafura Swamp, central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory Naturalist 2007.
A report to Yolŋu custodians and the Natural Heritage Trust, August 2003.
NT Government Technical Report on Arafura Swamp Water Resources, 2003.
