Ahead of NAIDOC Week (6 – 13 July 2025), the dedication of the Masigilgal Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) has today been celebrated with a ceremony on Masig Island in the Torres Strait - locking in traditional land and sea management practices and local jobs.
The new IPA is located within the Kulkalgal nation of the central Torres Strait region, Queensland, and covers 245 hectares of land across 11 uninhabited coral cays and islands.
The islands within the IPA and the connected reef ecosystems are home to threatened species, including six species of turtle, dugong and over 30 migratory bird species such as the critically endangered Eastern Curlew.
Surrounding reef, pristine waters and beaches – virtually free of feral animals – are a haven for diverse species of cultural and conservation significance.
Local waters support an abundance of marine life including kaiar (crayfish), shellfish and beche-de-mer.
Such cultural and environmental treasures also make the Masigilgal IPA a small, yet powerful addition to Australia’s National Reserve System – a network of protected areas preserved across Australia for future generations.
Since 2001, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has supported five IPA projects, including Masigilgal, to protect a total of 22 uninhabited islands and more than 360 hectares of Country held strong in Traditional Owner care across the Torres Strait.
TSRA through its world-class Ranger program will continue to work closely with Masigalgal Traditional Owners and the Masig community to manage the IPA.
Drawing on traditional and western knowledge, management activities will include biodiversity surveys and mapping, turtle and seagrass monitoring, managing threats including climate change, invasive plants, pest animals and preservation of Kulkulgal Ya language and Masigilgal culture.
Indigenous Protected Areas are established under voluntary agreements between First Nations people and the Australian Government to manage and protect areas of land and sea for biodiversity conservation. They also deliver positive cultural, social and economic outcomes for Traditional Owners and First Nations people.
The Albanese Government is committed to protecting and conserving 30 per cent of our land and 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030 and the Masigilgal IPA means almost 24.5 per cent of Australia’s total landmass is now protected.
Indigenous Protected Areas make up more than 53% of the National Reserve System. This is why we are committed to creating new Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program announced in the 2025-26 Budget.
Quotes attributable to Masigalgal Registered Native Title Body Corporate Chairperson Yessie Mosby:
“Our IPA status will also help direct funding and efforts towards the activities community feel are most important – where we feel we can make the most difference.”
Quotes attributable to TSRA Chairperson George Nona:
“This IPA celebration is deeply meaningful not just to Masig – but for all of the Torres Strait.
“TSRA heard the community’s call in 2017 and are proud to support this achievement led by the Masigalgal people for the benefit of their land and sea, current and future generations.
“TSRA’s Ranger program – including local Masigalgal Rangers – will help community manage its land and sea aspirations by connecting traditional knowledge and western science.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Congratulations to the Masigalgal Traditional Owners and community for the dedication of the unique Masigilgal IPA, adding to the Torres Strait Indigenous Protected Areas estate and Australia’s National Reserve System.
“The dedication of the Masigilgal IPA will strengthen cultural authority and custodianship of these islands and reefs, and create employment and other social and economic benefits for community.
“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to back Traditional Owners and First Nations communities to manage land and sea Country through our Indigenous Protected Areas and Indigenous Rangers Programs, delivering positive outcomes for the environment as well as employment and economic development opportunities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith:
“I congratulate Masigalgal Traditional Owners on the dedication of their IPA. Through the IPA Plan of Management, current and future generations have a strong framework to protect and manage the cultural values of land and sea Country.
“The Masigilgal IPA provides a framework to leverage partnerships with other land and sea management organisations and promotes the use of traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary management tools to care for land and sea Country”.