Part of McIlwraith Range National Park (Kulla) in the Umpila Indigenous Protected Area. Photo: Queensland National Parks.
Almost 43,000 hectares of Cape York Peninsula land stretching from the rainforest of the McIlwraith and Macrossan Ranges to the coastal ecosystems of the Coral Sea is in the hands of Umpila First Nations people following a dedication ceremony at Lockhart River.
The Umpila Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) covers 42,803 hectares of the north‑eastern Cape York region, with the Umpila people aiming to expand the IPA to more than 489,000 hectares of interconnected land and sea Country down the line.
The dedication of the land, 430 square kilometres in area, links Kulla (McIlwraith Range) and Oyala Thumptang National Parks to form a protected estate across the central Cape.
Umpila, which contains rainforest, heathlands, wetlands, seagrass beds, mangroves and reef systems, is considered one of the country’s most biodiverse landscapes.
The area is home to iconic native species such as the Southern Cassowary and Palm Cockatoo, as well as the McIlwraith Leaf‑tailed Gecko, Green Python, dugong and various marine turtle species.
Management activities within the IPA will include general monitoring, the mapping and protection of cultural sites, feral animal and weed control, welcoming visitors, reinvigorating language, and fire control using ‘right-way’ practices.
Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy congratulated the Umpila people and said the dedication of the IPA would empower locals.
“The dedication of the Umpila Indigenous Protected Area demonstrates the vision and leadership of traditional owners and Indigenous rangers in caring for Country, while creating opportunities that deliver social, cultural and economic benefits,” she said.
Umpila Indigenous Protected Area on Cape York Peninsula. Image: Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
“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.
“Alongside our expanded Indigenous Rangers Program, which includes the Umpila rangers, IPAs mean more opportunities for economic empowerment for First Nations people and communities, while caring for Country.”
Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said the dedication, which occurred on 21 November and was recognised in the ceremony this week, was part of broader federal government work to protect land.
He said the IPA covered an area of “outstanding beauty, biodiversity and cultural significance”.
Leichhardt MP Matt Smith. Photo: Facebook.
“The Umpila IPA, together with Kulla National Park and Oyala Thumptang National Park, provides the largest unbroken section of protected rainforest on Cape York,” Mr Smith said.
“Today’s dedication reinforces the Albanese Labor Government’s work towards the National 30 by 30 Roadmap to protect and conserve 30 per cent of Australia’s land by 2030.”
Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said: “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.
“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,” he said.
“With this dedication, Australia continues to make strong progress toward protecting 30 per cent of our land by 2030.
“This dedication reflects the deep connection between Umpila people and their Country and the commitment to protecting cultural and environmental values together.”
The IPA includes some of the largest surviving lowland rainforests and one of the best examples of riverine rainforest in Australia, according to the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Umpila, which supports about 100 bird, 40 reptile, 26 mammal and 15 amphibian species, is one of only two national sites hosting a “rare suite of Austro-Papuan wildlife”.
The Umpila IPA is home to rare and iconic animals, including the Palm Cockatoo. Photo: Supplied.
Original Article published by Luke Mortimer on Region Tropical North Queensland.
