Tribune’s note

The Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, dedicated the Sea Country expansion of the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area at a ceremony in Numbulwar, adding 861,533 hectares of sea Country and 58 hectares of land to the SEAL IPA [TA-260814-climat-a91abe82e085]. The expansion extends the IPA to more than 2.6 million hectares, making it the largest protected area in Arnhem Land [TA-260814-climat-a91abe82e085].

Senator Watt said the Albanese Government has now protected 25 per cent of Australia's land mass, calling it "an important milestone towards achieving our ambitious commitment to protect and conserve 30 per cent of Australia's land by 2030" [TA-260814-climat-a91abe82e085]. He said the IPA will create employment and training opportunities for Indigenous rangers in sustainable marine management [TA-260814-climat-a91abe82e085].

Management of the expanded IPA will focus on removing marine debris, monitoring vulnerable marine species, increasing patrols, promoting sustainable fishing and hunting, and partnering with research organisations to blend First Nations knowledge with Western science [TA-260814-climat-a91abe82e085]. The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, noted the expansion includes around 300 kilometres of coastline and reinforces government support for Indigenous ranger programs including the Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers and the Yugul Mangi Land and Sea Rangers [TA-260814-climat-a91abe82e085].

Special Envoy for Remote Communities Marion Scrymgour called the dedication "a significant achievement" that will create local employment for Indigenous rangers in managing the marine environment [TA-260814-climat-a91abe82e085]. The portfolio frames the expansion as a step toward the government's 30 per cent land and sea protection target for 2030, emphasising partnership with Traditional Owners and Indigenous ranger programs to deliver both environmental outcomes and community benefits [TA-260814-climat-a91abe82e085].

Primary records (1)

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

MediaJoint media release: Dedication ceremony for South East Arnhem Land Sea Country Indigenous Protected AreaMurray WattFriday 14 August 2026