A ceremony in North Queensland has marked the dedication of the Talaroo Indigenous Protected Area as the federal government advances its conservation goals.
Covering 31,941 hectares near Mount Surprise in the Gulf Savannah region, the IPA stretches along the Einasleigh River.
Once a pastoral station, Talaroo is lcoated in the centre of Ewamian Country and carries cultural, spiritual and environmental importance for Ewamian people.
It is home to at least 12 nationally threatened species, including the Golden-shouldered Parrot, listed in the Government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032.
Ewamian Rangers manage fire control, weed removal, feral animal control and cultural heritage surveys across the site.
Recognition as an IPA adds 462 hectares to the National Reserve System, supplementing Talaroo's existing status as a Queensland Nature Refuge.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, congratulated the Ewamian community on the dedication.
"I congratulate the Ewamian Traditional Owners and community on the dedication of Talaroo as part of Australia's growing network of IPAs," she said.
"Our first round expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program included funding for up to four full-time-equivalent positions for the Ewamian Rangers, to further support delivery of the Talaroo IPA Plan of Management.
"The Talaroo IPA is another great example of Traditional Owners working to maximise environmental and economic outcomes for the community and future generations."
The federal government has said it aims to protect 30 per cent of land and 30 per cent of oceans by 2030.
Protected land currently covers 24.7 per cent of the nation, with Indigenous Protected Areas contributing more than half of that coverage,
IPAs are agreements between First Nations groups and the Commonwealth to conserve land and sea areas.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the recognition ensures Ewamian voices guide management of their traditional lands.
"Recognising Talaroo as an Indigenous Protected Area ensures the voices of Ewamian people are heard when it comes to decisions about protecting and caring for their traditional lands," he said.
"It's important we recognise the stewardship of First Nations people in caring for Country for over 65,000 years, maintaining and reviving their cultural practices and delivering conservation outcomes for all Australians.
"That's why the Albanese Government is supporting the establishment of new Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program."
