Ceremony to mark expansion of Laynhapuy protected area

A celebration near Dhalinybuy, East Arnhem Land last week has marked the expansion of the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area.

The expansion adds 356,571 hectares to the existing IPA, now totalling more than 1.2 million hectares of land and sea Country.

The area is home to unique habitat and native species like the eastern curlew, green turtle, northern quoll and northern brushtail possum.

The Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation will continue to work closely with Traditional Owners of the community to manage the IPA.

IPAs deliver positive cultural, social and economic outcomes for Traditional Owners and First Nations people.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the expansion in the East Arnhem would 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,” he said.

“This will continue to grow thanks to our commitment to create new and expanded Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said the expansion strengthens a connected network of protected lands across Arnhem Land, managed and cared for by Traditional Owners, custodians and Indigenous Rangers.

“IPAs like Laynhapuy deliver benefits beyond conservation; creating jobs, strengthening families and supporting the aspirations of homelands and communities,” she said.

“Alongside our expanded Indigenous Rangers Program, IPAs mean more opportunities for economic empowerment for First Nations people and communities, while caring for Country.

“I congratulate Yolŋu Traditional Owners, the Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation and Yirralka Rangers on this expansion.”

The member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour said the IPA was a huge achievement for local traditional owners and the Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation.

“Traditional Owners have managed this country for thousands of years, and the expansion of this IPA showcases traditional practices and knowledge cannot only complement modern land conservation techniques, they can enhance them.” She said.