Tribune’s note

Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt dedicated the Mimal Indigenous Protected Area in south-central Arnhem Land, adding more than 1.6 million hectares to Australia's conservation estate [TA-260613-climat-bf0508a00723]. The IPA protects nine threatened species — including the northern quoll, black-footed tree-rat and Gouldian finch — and encompasses rock art sites and dreaming lines of cultural significance to the Mimal people.

Management sits with the Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation, which now includes the newly established Mimal Women's Rangers operating under the expanded Indigenous Rangers Program. Watt framed the dedication in terms of Australia's international commitment to protect 30 percent of land by 2030, noting that Indigenous Protected Areas already account for more than half of the progress made toward that target [TA-260613-climat-bf0508a00723].

The Mimal IPA is funded through the $250 million Australian Bushland program, which the government is using to create and expand IPAs as the primary vehicle for meeting the 30x30 goal. The announcement signals a deliberate policy posture: channelling biodiversity conservation through Indigenous land management structures rather than through conventional reserve creation, simultaneously advancing nature protection, cultural heritage recognition, and Indigenous employment outcomes within a single instrument.

Primary records (1)

The official records this note draws on — the raw primary documents themselves, as published.

MediaJoint media release: Dedication ceremony for Mimal Indigenous Protected Area in Arnhem LandMurray WattSaturday 13 June 2026