Skip to main content

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

​​Milestone reached for land protection​

Country and environment
Pmere Atherre Antenterreme Simpson Desert IPA signing. Credit: Central Land Council

​​The recent dedication of the Simpson Desert Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) marks an important milestone for Country and conservation.​

Image credit: Central Land Council​

​​Over 25% percent of Australia’s land is now officially protected. This milestone comes after the recent dedication of the Simpson Desert Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) near Alice Springs. 

​The new IPA is in the south-eastern corner of the Northern Territory. It adds more than 4.7 million hectares to the National Reserve System.  

​The Simpson Desert IPA includes: 

  • ​sand dunes 
  • ​stone plains 
  • ​wetlands. 

​The area is home to many native animals, including threatened species such as: 

  • ​greater bilby 
  • ​central rock-rat 
  • ​night parrot 
  • ​princess parrot. 

​The IPA will be managed by the Central Land Council and Traditional Owners. 

​First Nations-led conservation will help protect the area through: 

  • ​fire management 
  • ​weed and feral animal control 
  • ​water protection 
  • ​habitat restoration 
  • ​monitoring and research. 

​This milestone keeps Australia on track to protect 30% of our land by 2030. 

​IPAs continue to provide strong outcomes for nature while supporting First Nations communities through cultural, social and economic benefits.

More information

​For more information visit: ​A quarter of Australia’s land now protected - DCCEEW​.​