Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements Project

Paraku Indigenous Protected Area
Category:	Place
Date:	1 September 2001
Sub Category:	Indigenous Protected Area
Place:	Lake Gregory, West Australia
State/Country:	Western Australia, Australia
	Kimberley region of Western Australia, South of Halls Creek.
Alternative Names:	Lake Gregory IPA
Summary Information:
Paraku was declared an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) in September 2001 and was the first IPA to be declared in West Australia. The IPA, which covers an area of 434,000 hectares and includes an internationally significant wetland system, is managed by the Tjurabalan Pastoral Company. Paraku (Lake Gregory) is of enormous spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners including the Walmajarri, Jaru and Kukatja peoples.
Detailed Information:
The area is the subject of two pastoral leases that are held by the Aboriginal Lands Trust on behalf of the Traditional Owners. The lakes and waterholes support at least 73 species of waterbird and 175 species of aquatic invertebrates. Fifty-three reptile species and 13 native mammal species are found in the area.