Factsheet - Remote Ranger Stations

Working and living at a remote ranger station in the Northern Territory can be a rewarding experienceThis information has been brought together to assist prospective Parks and Wildlife employees and their families considering a move to a Ranger Station in a remote locality.

A remote locality is defined as a town, place, community or locality, outside the environs of Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, where access to health, education, social, financial, emergency, communication and professional support services are limited. Each park or reserve is unique and has a variety of services that may be in close proximity, or some distance away in the nearest established town or community.

Some of the conditions presented by a remote park can be challenging for some. On the other hand, living ‘out bush’ in the NT can provide access to a lifestyle and experiences that cannot be gained elsewhere.

The view from Mt Zeil, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Central Australia

For more information visit https://dtsc.nt.gov.au/parks and wildlife

A Lifestyle ChoiceMany rangers and their families love living out bush and cherish the lifestyle it presents. The scenery, wildlife, and opportunities to experience the country such as fishing, bushwalking, photography and camping, present unique opportunities.

Other benefits include clean living, growing your own veggies, keeping chooks, living simply in the fresh air.

Many ranger stations have a great sense of community and many strong friendships are forged through shared challenges and experiences.

Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park, near Katherine NT

EntitlementsThe Public Sector Employment and Management Act and Determinations establish entitlements for Northern Territory Government employees. The following information is a brief summary of entitlements that may be available when living in a remote location, to compensate for the challenges, depending on how remote that location is.

Many Ranger Stations provide housing for staff, or at a nearby town, with concessions for rent. Houses are equipped with basic furniture, whitegoods and hardware for services such as phone, internet and satellite television.

Travelling or camping allowance is paid if an employee is required to travel away from their headquarters overnight. This allowance covers accommodation or camping, meals and incidentals.

Other entitlements include ‘fares out’ of remote localities to assist with travel costs and accommodation for employees and their dependants to Darwin or Alice Springs, extra leave days and Special Study Leave where employees can accrue credit points towards paid study leave the longer they stay in a remote locality.

Page 2 of 3

ServicesMany remote parks have limited access to services that are taken for granted in cities and major towns. For example, some Ranger Stations may have no mobile phone service and may be dependent on satellite reception for television and internet.

The nearest shops may be several hours drive away requiring a ‘bush order’ to be delivered, or regular long drives to collect supplies, visit a medical centre or a vet for pets.

Roads around some sites may be rough, accessible to 4WDs only and at certain times of the year, may become impassable. Some sites may require you to fly in and out.

There may be no schools nearby, so families might rely on home schooling or School of the Air.

WeatherThe Parks, Wildlife and Heritage Division manages sites throughout the Northern Territory, which is renowned for its ruggedness and dramatic weather. Sites may experience extremes of heat and cold, wild winds or flooding. Some areas may become isolated for parts of the year depending on the seasonal conditions.

Support ServicesA number of groups and organisations provide information and assistance for individuals and families living in remote localities. The NT Employees Assistance Service, Student Assistance Schemes, NT Health Direct, Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association and counselling services such as Beyond Blue, Deadly Mob and Lifeline are just a few.

More InformationRemote Locality Guides are available for each remote ranger station. They expand on the topics mentioned above and provide detailed information on individual locations. You can request a guide and further information by contacting the Parks, Wildlife and Heritage Division.

Sunset, Central Australia, left; and Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, Cobourg Peninsula NT, right.All photos courtesy of PWCNT Image Library

Contacts Darwin Katherine Alice Springs (08) 8999 4555 (08) 8973 8888 (08) 8951 8250

Page 3 of 3