Minister for Indigenous Australians
More Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) dedication ceremonies have been held in Queensland and the Northern Territory, boosting local management and conservation efforts.
Last week the Wuthathi People and the Nardirri, Perrederr, Tjindi, Thawurr, Neninh, Yederr and Mendheyangarl People celebrated the dedication of the Wuthathi IPA in Queensland, and the Wangga IPA in the Northern Territory.
The IPA program supports First Nations peoples to care for their Country through voluntary agreements with the Australian Government, to protect the local environment and the plants and animals that call it home.
The dedications were recognised with on‑Country ceremonies, bringing together Elders, families, young people and community members to honour their enduring connection to land and sea.
The Wuthathi IPA covers 807,926 hectares, comprising 119,252 hectares of land and 688,674 hectares of sea Country in Shelburne Bay, Far North Queensland
The Wangga IPA, formally known as the Marri-Jabin IPA, has expanded adding 34,397 hectares of land to the National Reserve System. This brings the total size of the IPA to 101,624 hectares.
These IPAs will be managed by the Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation and the Thamarrurr Development Corporation to protect a range of important ecosystems including mangroves, rainforests and wetlands-home to many threatened and culturally significant species like dugongs, green turtles and cassowaries.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"This is a celebration of Wuthathi People and the Nardirri, Perrederr, Tjindi, Thawurr, Neninh, Yederr and Mendheyangarl People, their culture, their Elders and their deep custodial responsibilities.
"The IPAs are provide critical habitat for many threatened species. They're home to globally significant dune systems, freshwater lakes, reefs, seagrass meadows, and species such as dugongs, green turtles, manta rays and cassowaries.
"The Albanese Government is committed to protecting and conserving 30 percent of Australia's land mass and 30 percent of its oceans by the year 2030. With these dedications today, we're making strong progress to reaching that target. In fact, IPAs make up half of protected land under the 30 by 30 goal.
"This will continue to grow thanks to our commitment to create new and expanded Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
"These new dedications are not only a conservation milestone - they are celebrations, supporting living, working and caring for Country.
"I congratulate the Traditional Owners, the Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation, the Thamarrurr Development Corporation and the wider communities on these dedications for their respective IPAs.
"IPAs ensure Country is cared for by those who know it best and they also deliver important employment and economic development opportunities for our remote communities."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:
"The Australian Government's support for the National Indigenous Protected Areas program is crucial to ensuring Traditional Owners are front and centre in delivering cultural, social and economic benefits from the protection and management of the natural environment.
"Our government is deeply committed to continuing our efforts to protect Australia's vulnerable ecosystems through the use of culturally informed measures and ongoing monitoring of threatened species."
Quotes attributable to Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith:
"The Wuthathi IPA dedication will ensure First Nations people remain at the forefront of land and sea management, conservation and caring for Country in Far North Queensland.
"This is an extraordinary part of Australia, rich in biodiversity and cultural significance, and this dedication ensures it will be protected for generations to come."
