Joint media release: Dedication ceremony for expansion of Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area

MP, Member for Lingiari A celebration near Dhalinybuy, East Arnhem Land this week has marked the expansion of the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). 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. Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt: “Congratulations to the Traditional Owners and community for the dedication of the expansion of the Laynhapuy IPA, adding to the Indigenous Protected Areas estate and Australia’s National Reserve System.

“This expansion in the East Arnhem will 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.

“This will continue to grow thanks to our commitment to create new and expanded Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy: “The expansion of the Laynhapuy IPA, twenty years after its initial dedication, 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. “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.” Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour: “This IPA is 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 can not only complement modern land conservation techniques, they can enhance them. “This dedication is a huge win for the local community as it will deliver long term economic benefits while also protecting culture and country for the generations to come.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.