The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has moved quickly to implement an integrated Ranger compliance program in the Torres Strait region with the completion of its first training qualification.
The training program was undertaken to develop a Compliance Management Unit within TSRA. The Unit will support Rangers in undertaking critical surveillance and environmental compliance activities on the Islands under their care.
To celebrate this milestone for Ranger teams, a ceremony was held recently during the annual TSRA Rangers gathering on Thursday Island to mark the completion of the Certificate IV in Government Investigations.
The TSRA Chairperson, Mr Pedro Stephen AM, said the Certificate IV in Government Investigations qualification equips TSRA Rangers with both academic and operational skills to undertake compliance related activities within the region.
“Our Rangers play a critical role in protecting our region, and to strengthen the role of Rangers in land and sea management is an important step forward,” he said.
“All of our TSRA Rangers completed the nationally recognised qualification well inside twelve months, which demonstrates their dedication to the training and eagerness for professional skills development and to broaden their knowledge.
“Whilst the Rangers are not enforcement officers, they work closely with the relevant agencies to ensure local residents understand the regulations on a range of environment and fisheries issues.”
Delivered by a team of expert compliance staff with many years of operational experience in remote and isolated areas; the training program included theoretical and practical activities including surveillance, executing search warrants, interviewing techniques, offence detection, evidence collection, legislation, Ranger safety, court processes and giving evidence in court.
During the workshop TSRA Rangers also participated in legislation training, which will enable them to be considered for appointment as Inspectors under Commonwealth Environmental Legislation in the New Year.
TSRA would also like to acknowledge the valuable support received from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in making this training possible.
Further information – http://www.tsra.gov.au/the-tsra/programmes/env-mgt-program/our-projects