Minister for Indigenous Australians
The dedication of the Talaroo Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) has been celebrated with a ceremony in North Queensland, as the Albanese Government delivers on its commitment to protect and conserve more of Australia's land and oceans.
The Talaroo IPA covers 31,941 hectares of land near Mount Surprise in the Gulf Savannah region, along the banks of the Einasleigh River.
Talaroo is a former pastoral station and is located in the heart of Ewamian Country, rich in natural values, cultural heritage and spiritual connection for Ewamian people.
It is home to at least 12 nationally threatened species including the Golden-shouldered Parrot, one of the 110 species prioritised for recovery under the Albanese Government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032.
Ewamian Rangers lead land care activities at Talaroo including fire management, weed management, feral animal control and cultural heritage survey work.
While most of the country within Talaroo IPA is already recognised as part of Australia's National Reserve System because of its status as a Queensland Nature Refuge, the recognition as an IPA adds a further 462 hectares to Australia's National Reserve System.
The Albanese Government has set a target to protect and conserve 30 per cent of our land and 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030. Almost 24.7 per cent of Australia's total landmass is now protected with IPAs providing more than half of that contribution.
IPAs are established under agreements between First Nations people and the Australian Government to manage and protect areas of land and sea for biodiversity conservation.
Photos of the ceremony can be found here(link is external) .
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"Recognising Talaroo as an Indigenous Protected Area ensures the voices of Ewamian people are heard when it comes to decisions about protecting and caring for their traditional lands.
"It's important we recognise the stewardship of First Nations people in caring for Country for over 65,000 years, maintaining and reviving their cultural practices and delivering conservation outcomes for all Australians.
"That's why the Albanese Government is supporting the establishment of new Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
"I congratulate the Ewamian Traditional Owners and community on the dedication of Talaroo as part of Australia's growing network of IPAs.
"Our first round expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program included funding for up to four full-time-equivalent positions for the Ewamian Rangers, to further support delivery of the Talaroo IPA Plan of Management.
"The Talaroo IPA is another great example of Traditional Owners working to maximise environmental and economic outcomes for the community and future generations."
