Joint media release: 25 per cent of Australia's land now protected with milestone IPA dedication

Member for Lingiari The Albanese Government has now protected 25 per cent of Australia's land mass, an important milestone towards achieving our ambitious commitment to protect 30 per cent of Australia’s land by 2030. With over 196 million hectares now protected - an area larger than the size of Queensland – we are ensuring that Australia's native species are safer for the future.

In October 2022, Federal, State and Territory Environment Ministers agreed to work together to reach the National 30 by 30 target, including through growing Australia’s protected area network and establishing a network of conserved areas. Reaching this milestone is crucial to reversing environmental decline and protecting Australia's native plants, animals and other species from extinction.

The 25 per cent milestone was achieved after the dedication of the Simpson Desert Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) near Alice Springs. The IPA adds more than 4.7 million hectares of land to the National Reserve System. Located in the south-eastern corner of the Northern Territory, the Simpson Desert IPA is home to unique ecosystems like sand dunes, stone plains and wetlands, which are habitat for the greater bilby, central rock-rat, night parrot and princess parrot.

These are priority species identified in the Threatened Species Action Plan and will benefit from Traditional Owner-led conservation activities, including culturally informed fire management, targeted weed and feral animal control, protection of important water places, habitat restoration, and ongoing monitoring and research. The Simpson Desert IPA will be managed by the Central Land Council in partnership with Traditional Owners.

For more information on achieving 30 by 30, see Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt: “The Albanese Government is committed to protecting and conserving 30 per cent of Australia's land by 2030. Reaching 25 per cent of land protected is a big milestone and I’m proud that IPAs make up more than half of this. “Up from 22 per cent when we were first elected, a quarter of Australia’s total land is now protected.

This is crucial to supporting threatened species and the habitats they call home, and ensuring generations to come can enjoy Australia’s unique native wildlife and landscape. “We’re continuing to work towards hitting the 30 per cent target, with our commitment to create and expand even more Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program.

“Congratulations to the Traditional Owners and community for the dedication of the Simpson Desert IPA adding to the Indigenous Protected Areas estate and Australia’s National Reserve System. Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy: “The Pmere Atherre Antenterreme/Simpson Desert IPA strengthens long standing efforts by Traditional Owners to protect the region’s biodiversity and keep Country healthy.

“The dedication recognises the ecological and spiritual significance of this beautiful Country in Central Australia and will support environmental and economic outcomes for future generations. “I congratulate everyone involved on the dedication of the IPA; including Traditional Owners, the Central Land Council, Indigenous Rangers and community.” Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP: “I congratulate the Albanese Government on its progress in protecting 30 per cent of Australia’s landmass by 2030.

I am excited about the possibilities for preserving our unique ecosystems in the Northern Territory from the dedication of the Simpson Desert Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) near Alice Springs. “Adding more than 4.7 million hectares of land to the National Reserve System, this latest determination will support Traditional Owner led conservation efforts, who have managed their country since time immemorial.

The Simpson Desert IPA highlights the benefits that can come from complementing traditional practices and knowledge with modern land conservation techniques. “I am proud that Labor is taking the lead in protecting Australia’s vulnerable ecosystems and reversing the environmental decline across the Northern Territory through the use of culturally informed measures and ongoing monitoring of threatened species.” 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.