Indigenous Protected Area facts for kids

The proposed Ngarrabullgin Indigenous Protected Area

An Indigenous Protected Area, or IPA, is a special part of land or sea in Australia. These areas are owned by the Indigenous people of Australia. The owners have made an agreement with the Australian Government to look after these places. They protect the amazing variety of plants and animals (this is called biodiversity). They also protect important cultural sites and traditions.

There are more than 50 IPAs across Australia. They cover a huge area, over 36 million hectares. This is like protecting a very big part of the country! The plan was to add another 8 million hectares by 2018. For example, in July 2012, the Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area was created. It covers 10 million hectares in the Northern Territory. This area is the traditional home of the Warlpairi people. It includes communities like Yuendumu, Willowra, and Nyrripi.

How Indigenous Protected Areas Work

Each IPA is managed by its traditional owners. These are the Indigenous people who have lived on and cared for that land for thousands of years. They work hard to protect the plants, animals, and special cultural places.

The owners also work with the government to keep the land healthy. They help to control unwanted plants (called weeds) and feral animals that can harm the environment. They also manage bushfires and look after visitors to the area. This way, the land stays healthy for future generations.

Where are Indigenous Protected Areas?

Indigenous Protected Areas are found all over Australia. Here is a list of some of them, grouped by state or territory:

New South Wales

Here are some IPAs 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

Here are some IPAs 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 - This one covers 600,000 hectares and was 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

Here are some IPAs 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

Here are some IPAs 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

Here are some IPAs in Tasmania:

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

Victoria

Here are some IPAs in Victoria:

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

Western Australia

Here are some IPAs 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

Images for kids

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  Mirirrinyungu (Northern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area)

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

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

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  Yaua waterhole after rain - North Angas Downs

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  Wilbia soak before restoration

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  Quandong Angas Downs-Fenced

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  Emu at Angas Downs

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  Angas Downs Ranger David Wongway on Angas Downs, NT

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  Angas Downs Rangers

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  Fence line gradient - camel control

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  Emu chick on Angas Downs