Dept of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water
On 1 April 2026, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) will take full responsibility for the Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) program.
Currently, the IPA program is managed by both DCCEEW and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
This change will make things:
- simpler for providers
- easier to manage.
The transition is administrative and will not affect:
- on-Country work and activities
- funding
- dedications
- management plans
- agreements
- the Indigenous Ranger Program, which remains managed by NIAA.
NIAA and DCCEEW are working closely to make sure everything transfers smoothly.
Until 1 April 2026
Nothing changes. The IPA program will continue to operate as usual.
From 1 April 2026
- all existing IPA projects will be managed by DCCEEW only, through the Community Grants Hub
- every provider will have a dedicated DCCEEW project officer to support them.
IPA providers will receive clear guidance and direct support throughout the transition process.
The Australian Government remains committed to the long-term success and growth of the IPA program.
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