Dedication ceremony for the Ngurra Kayanta Protected Area
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.
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.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt congratulated the Traditional Owners and all those involved for the dedication ceremony, 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,” he said.
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.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said the ong-awaited official dedication of the protected area strengthened 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,” she said.
