Indigenous Protected Area facts for kids

The proposed Ngarrabullgin Indigenous Protected Area

An Indigenous Protected Area, or IPA, is an area of land or sea owned by the Indigenous peoples of Australia. In an IPA the owners have made an agreement with the Australian Government to protect biodiversity and cultural resources.

There are over 50 IPAs covering an area of more than 36 million hectares. It is planned to increase this area by another 8 million hectares by 2018. In July 2012, the southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area was declared, covering 10 million hectares in the Northern Territory. This is the traditional home of the Warlpairi, and includes the communities of Yuendumu, Willowra and Nyrripi.

Each IPA is managed by its traditional owners. Plants, animals and cultural sites are protected. The owners work with the government to control weeds, feral animals, bushfires, and visitors.

List of Indigenous Protected Areas

Mirirrinyungu (Northern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area)

Bush Blitz team at Kiwirrkurra Indigenous Protected area in the Gibson Desert WA

On 10 June 2009, Angas Downs was declared an Indigenous Protected Area

Yaua waterhole after rain - North Angas Downs

Wilbia soak before restoration

Quandong Angas Downs-Fenced

Emu at Angas Downs

Angas Downs Ranger David Wongway on Angas Downs, NT

Angas Downs Rangers

Fence line gradient - camel control

Emu chick on Angas Downs

New South Wales

The following IPAs have been declared in New South Wales:

• Brewarrina Ngemba Billabong Indigenous Protected Area
• Boorabee and The Willows Indigenous Protected Area
• Gumma Indigenous Protected Area
• Minyumai Indigenous Protected Area
• Ngunya Jargoon Indigenous Protected Area
• Tarriwa Kurrukun Indigenous Protected Area
• Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Area
• Wattleridge Indigenous Protected Area
• Weilmoringle Indigenous Protected Area

Northern Territory

The following IPAs have been declared in the Northern Territory:

• Angas Downs Indigenous Protected Area
• Anindilyakwa Indigenous Protected Area
• Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area
• Djelk Indigenous Protected Area
• Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area - 600,000 ha, created in 2006
• Marri-Jabin | Stage one of the Thamarrurr Indigenous Protected Area
• Northern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area
• Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area
• Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area
• Yanyuwa Indigenous Protected Area

Queensland

The following IPAs have been declared in Queensland:

• Eastern Kuku Yalanji Indigenous Protected Area
• Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area
• Kaanju Ngaachi Wenlock and Pascoe Rivers Indigenous Protected Area
• Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area
• Warul Kawa Indigenous Protected Area

South Australia

The following IPAs have been declared in South Australia:

• Antara-Sandy Bore Indigenous Protected Area
• Kalka-Pipalyatjara Indigenous Protected Area
• Mount Willoughby Indigenous Protected Area
• Nantawarrina Indigenous Protected Area
• Watarru and Walalkara Indigenous Protected Area
• Yalata Indigenous Protected Area

Tasmania

The following IPAs have been declared in Tasmania:

• Preminghana Indigenous Protected Area
• Risdon Cove and Putalina Indigenous Protected Areas
• Mount Chappell and Badger Islands Indigenous Protected Areas

Victoria

The following IPAs have been declared in Victoria:

• Deen Maar Indigenous Protected Area
• Kurtonitj Indigenous Protected Area
• Lake Condah Indigenous Protected Area
• Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area

Western Australia

The following IPAs have been declared in Western Australia:

• Balanggarra Indigenous Protected Area
• Bardi Jawi Indigenous Protected Area
• Birriliburu Indigenous Protected Area
• Dambimangari Indigenous Protected Area
• Kiwirrkurra Indigenous Protected Area
• Matuwa and Kurrara Kurrara Indigenous Protected Area
• Ninghan Indigenous Protected Area
• Paruku Indigenous Protected Area
• Uunguu Indigenous Protected Area
• Warlu Jilajaa Jumu Indigenous Protected Area