Joint media release: New Indigenous-managed land and sea areas across Australia

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Albanese Labor Government is establishing 12 new Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) following a $14.6 million investment, delivering on its election commitment.

IPAs are areas of land and sea Country managed by First Nations groups, which help deliver better nature protections and good local jobs.

From the Western Australian deserts to the NSW rainforests, the new projects combined will protect 7.5 million hectares of land and 450,000 hectares of sea Country – bigger than the size of Tasmania.

This is on top of existing IPAs which currently cover 87 million hectares of land and over five million hectares of sea Country – the majority of Australia’s national estate.

The new IPAs go towards the Government’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of land by 2030.

These new IPAs also safeguard biodiversity, providing habitats for our iconic koala, as well as threatened native species such as the Greater Bilby, Princess Parrot and Eastern Curlew.

Supporting Traditional Owners to look after their own country, the expanded IPA program delivers on our Closing the Gap Implementation Plan. It provides economic opportunities in regional and remote areas.

New IPAs managed by the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation and the Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation in NSW will improve the trajectory of threatened species, such as the Swift Parrot and the Regent Honeyeater, and ensure the protection of cultural heritage.  

More than 700 First Nations people, including 326 First Nations women, are employed through the IPA program – this will only grow with the increased investment.

The Australian Government has committed $231.5 million to support the IPA program.

Footage and stills: https://f.io/lx1JzYgk

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek:

“We are so lucky in this country to have the world’s most successful environmentalists to learn from.

“One of the great experiences of my job has been visiting IPAs around Australia and seeing the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rangers up close. There’s no one better placed to care for land and sea First Nations communities.

“That’s why we’re expanding the successful IPA program, continuing to support Traditional Owners to manage and protect land and sea Country for future generations.

“Our investment to establish 12 new IPAs will not only protect our biodiversity and rehabilitate areas in need, but it will produce more local jobs and opportunities for regional and remote areas.

“We’re protecting an area the size of Tasmania – protecting native species, dealing with feral animals and weeds, managing fire risks, and restoring our beautiful Australian landscapes. At the same time, we’re creating jobs and teaching a new generation to care for Country.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney:

“No one knows this country better than First Nations people who for time immemorial have cared for our land and sea.

“These new Indigenous Protected Areas will mean local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will have the opportunity to manage and care for Country. Importantly, the Indigenous Rangers Program will help to close the gap by giving First Nations people work on country.

“IPAs will embed traditional knowledge and expertise in the management of the land, ensuring the voices of First Nations people are heard when it comes to decisions about protecting and caring for their traditional lands.

“The success of the IPA program recognises the important 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.

“This is good for jobs, good for the environment, and it’s good for culture.”

More information: Indigenous Protected Areas - DCCEEW