Far North Queensland site now protected
The rainforest slopes of the McIlwraith and Macrossan Ranges to the estuaries, wetlands and coastal ecosystems of the Coral Sea have been declared a protected area.
An area in Far North Queensland has been declared as the ‘Umpila Indigenous Protected Area’ (IPA); a “major milestone” for traditional owners and the north-eastern Cape York area.
The dedication strengthens regional conservation connectivity, linking the IPA with Kulla (McIlwraith Range) and Oyala Thumptang National Parks to form a large, protected estate across central Cape York.
Umpila Traditional owners now hope to expand the dedicated IPA to more than 489,000 hectares in the future.
The 42,803 hectare site stretches from the rainforest slopes of the McIlwraith and Macrossan Ranges to the estuaries, wetlands and coastal ecosystems of the Coral Sea.
It sits in one of Australia’s most biodiverse landscapes, supporting intact rainforest, heartlands, wetlands, seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reef systems.
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The area is home to native species including the Palm Cockatoo, Southern Cassowary, McIlwraith leaf-tailed gecko, Green Python, Dugong and multiple marine turtle species.
Management activities of the IPA will include biodiversity monitoring, cultural site protection, right-way fire, feral animal and weed control, and visitor management.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt congratulated the Umpila Traditional Owners.
“This is an extraordinary part of Australia, rich in biodiversity and cultural significance, and today’s dedication ensures it will be protected for generations to come,” Watt said.
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He added that this dedication adds to Australia’s continued progress towards protecting 30 per cent of land by 2030.
“The Umpila IPA strengthens cultural authority and custodianship, supports the revitalisation of language and cultural practice, and creates employment and training opportunities for Umpila people,” Watt said.
“This dedication reflects the deep connection between Umpila people and their Country, and the commitment to protecting cultural and environmental values together.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy noted that the dedication demonstrated the vision and leadership of Traditional Owners and Indigenous Rangers in caring for Country.
“Cape York is a beautiful, diverse and unique part of Australia, and this IPA dedication will ensure First Nations people remain at the forefront of land and sea management, conservation and caring for Country,” McCarthy said.
She added that IPAs mean more opportunities for economic empowerment for First Nations people and communities while caring for Country.
Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith congratulated the Umpila Traditional Owners on their custodianship of the land and sea country.
“The Umpila IPA, together with Kulla National Park and Oyala Thumptang National Park, provides the largest unbroken section of protected rainforest on Cape York,” Smith said.
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