The official dedication of the Simpson Desert Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) near Alice Springs has lifted Australia's protected land area to 25% of the continent.
The new IPA adds more than 4.7 million hectares to the National Reserve System. This milestone keeps Australia on track for the target of protecting 30% of our land by 2030.
The Simpson Desert IPA is in the south-eastern corner of the Northern Territory. It includes:
- sand dunes
- stone plains
- wetlands.
The area is home to many native animals, including threatened species such as:
- greater bilby
- central rock-rat
- night parrot
- princess parrot.
The Simpson Desert IPA will be managed by the Central Land Council and Traditional Owners.
First Nations-led conservation will protect help protect the area through:
- fire management
- weed and feral animal control
- water protection
- habitat restoration
- monitoring and research.
IPAs continue to provide strong outcomes for nature while supporting First Nations communities through cultural, social and economic benefits.
