Yawuru welcomes dedication of Indigenous protected areas

Written on the 9 February 2017

The Commonwealth Government this week recognised the Dedication of the Yawuru Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).

The IPA Dedication recognises the significance of the areas within the IPA for the cultural, environmental and heritage values that exist within Yawuru country.

The area covers 127,914 ha of Yawuru country, including parts of the Yawuru Conservation Estate comprising Nagulagun Roebuck Bay Marine Park and the Birragun out of town Conservation Park. It also includes significant cultural and heritage areas within the Roebuck Plains cattle station.

PBC Acting chair, Thomas 'Unda' Edgar said "This dedication is a real recognition of our continuing connection to country.  It shows the importance that we, as Yawuru people, place on preserving the stories and managing the land for future generations".

The IPA gives Yawuru people greater ability to engage in land and sea management and provides increased funding that will support ongoing land management work by Yawuru Country Managers.  This includes cultural and heritage work undertaken to revive and preserve stories associated with areas within the IPA.

The IPA Plan of Management is the guiding document which has been reviewed and approved by Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Plan targets the protection of Yawuru cultural heritage and the precious ecosystems and environment on Yawuru country by data collection, mapping and monitoring change over the seasons.

Ten years after the Federal Court determination which recognised Yawuru as the native title holders in and surrounding Broome, this Dedication is another milestone in ensuring Yawuru people continue to manage healthy and resilient land and seas for the sustainable future of the Yawuru community.

Yawuru CEO Peter Yu says "The recognition of the Dedication by the Federal Government is a great vote of confidence in the quality of Yawuru's current land management work.  The work of our Country Managers under the IPA will enhance the value and national significance of our conservation areas which benefit the whole community particularly through making Broome a more attractive destination for tourists".

The Yawuru IPA also contributes to Australia's National Reserves system.