A celebration at Jalyirr (Lady Edith Lagoon) near Balgo in the Southeastern Kimberley region of Western Australia has officially marked the dedication of the Ngurra Kayanta Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).
The IPA adds more than 1.9 million hectares to the National Reserve System.
The area falls within the Great Sandy Desert and is home to threatened species like the greater bilby, the night parrot, princess parrot and the red goshawk.
These species will benefit from a comprehensive plan to manage invasive animals including feral cats and camels, and weeds including buffel grass, along with surveying and monitoring programs that will inform conservation strategies.
The Ngurra Kayanta Aboriginal Corporation will continue to work closely with Traditional Owners and partners to manage the IPA.
IPAs deliver positive cultural, social and economic outcomes for Traditional Owners and First Nations people.
Images available here.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
“Congratulations to the Traditional Owners and all those involved for the dedication of the Ngurra Kayanta IPA, adding to the Indigenous Protected Areas estate and Australia’s National Reserve System.
“This IPA in the Great Sandy Desert will help to create employment and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for the community.
“The Albanese Government is committed to protecting and conserving 30 per cent of our land and 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030. We’re well underway to reaching that target and IPAs are providing more than half of that contribution.
“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:
“The long-awaited official dedication of the Ngurra Kayanta Indigenous Protected Area strengthens long-standing efforts by Traditional Owners and Ngurra Kayanta Indigenous Rangers to protect the region’s biodiversity.
“The Ngurra Kayanta IPA connects with the Martu, Kiwirrkurra, Ngururrpa, Paruku and Warlu Jilajaa Jumu IPAs, creating a network of First Nations-led conservation in the Great Sandy Desert.
“The Albanese Government is proud to back Traditional Owners and First Nations communities to manage land and sea Country through our Indigenous Protected Areas and Indigenous Rangers Programs, delivering positive outcomes for the environment as well as employment and economic development opportunities.
“I congratulate the Traditional Owners and community on this dedication.”
