A new 107,000-hectare Nature Reserve will be created over parts of the Fortescue Marsh in the East Pilbara after the signing of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) between Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC and the State Government in February 2024 and registered by the National Native Title Tribunal in May 2024.
The ILUA and subsequent Joint Management Agreement provides for the joint vesting and joint management of the Class A Nature Reserve between the Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, Nyiyaparli Traditional Owners and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions.
The reserve will protect the unique cultural and environmental values of Fortescue Marsh
Fortescue Marsh is listed on the Commonwealth Directory of Important Wetlands and as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for its significance as a habitat and feeding area for migratory waterbirds. The reserve area is believed to provide habitat for the critically endangered Night Parrot and the endangered Northern Quoll, Bilby and Pilbara Olive Python. Several endemic or near endemic flora species can also be found within the reserve area.
Fortescue Marsh is also of immense cultural significance to the Nyiyaparli people. Several important ceremonial and mythological sites are located within and near the marsh.
The Marsh is very important to us as Nyiyaparli people. Important stories and knowledge of our people are connected to the Marsh and many of our old people worked on the pastoral stations around the Marsh back in the day. It is a good thing for us as Nyiyaparli people that the Marsh will be looked after. It is good to be working together with the state government to do this. It is a proud moment for us to see the Marsh protected and to see more employment and training opportunities for our young people, and more opportunities for young people to learn on country.
The ILUA is delivered under the State Government’s Plan for Our Parks initiative. You can read the WA Government media release here.
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