Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator The Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Albanese Government is taking another step towards achieving our ambitious target to protect and conserve 30 per cent of land by 2030.
An $11.31 million investment through the Australian Bushland Program will establish 16 new Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) across New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.
IPAs are areas of land and sea that Traditional Owners manage for nature conservation and the protection of cultural values, and they represent more than half of Australia's National Reserve System (NRS) - the nation's network of protected areas.
Once dedicated, these new IPAs have the potential to contribute up to 18.207 million hectares to the NRS. They will help protect habitat for threatened species like the greater bilby, princess parrot and red goshawk while contributing to conservation outcomes in Threatened Species Priority Places including the South-East Coastal ranges and Eastern Forests of Far North Queensland.
The IPAs will also improve levels of protection in underrepresented ecosystems and landscapes in Australia including within the Sturt Plateau, Gulf Plains and the Gulf Fall and Uplands bioregions.
Managed by First Nations organisations, the new IPA projects commence with consultation with Traditional Owners and other stakeholders with rights and interests in the proposed IPA area.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"The Albanese Government is committed to protecting and conserving 30 per cent of Australia's land by 2030 through crucial programs like the $250 million Australian Bushland Program and the Protecting Important Biodiversity Areas Program.
"IPAs demonstrate the incredible conservation outcomes that can be achieved when Traditional Owners lead the management of their Country.
"These 16 projects have the potential to add more than 18 million hectares to Australia's protected area estate while supporting First Nations communities to care for Country, strengthen culture and protect important environmental and cultural values.
"This investment is another important step towards achieving our 30 by 30 commitment on land and supporting Traditional Owner-led conservation across Australia."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
"Indigenous Protected Areas are a powerful example of First Nations people leading the protection and management of Country, drawing on thousands of years of knowledge and connection to land and waters.
"This investment will support Traditional Owners to explore the establishment of 16 new Indigenous Protected Areas, creating environmental, employment and economic opportunities for remote communities.
"The Albanese Government is proud to back Traditional Owners and First Nations communities to manage land and sea Country, through our IPA and Indigenous Rangers Programs."
