Engagement with Indigenous Communities

Located in Bininj Country in Northwest Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, the Wumara Conservation Area was created to protect, preserve and manage traditionally owned Land and Sea Country. It's guided by collaboration, respect, and recognition of Traditional Owners and their fundamental cultural rights and responsibilities.

The area was jointly established by Traditional Owners, the Bawinanga Homelands Aboriginal Corporation (BHAC) and the INPEX-led Ichthys Joint Venture.

The conservation area aims to meet environmental approval conditions (11B & 11C) through:

The Wumara Conservation Area will be a sanctuary for biodiversity, cultural heritage, and conservation science where Bininj relationships to their ancestral lands and waters are healthy and strong. Bill Townsend, INPEX Australia Senior Vice President Corporate, speaks to the importance of the project:
"It makes me enormously proud to think some of the many benefits of Ichthys LNG will flow to Maningrida where they can genuinely make a positive impact to both the environment and the wider community," Bill said.

Kira Bourke, CEO of Bawinanga Homelands Aboriginal Corporation (BHAC) reflects on the significance of this partnership: "This partnership represents a first-of-its kind achievement and reflects the value of strong relationships between Traditional Owners, BHAC, and INPEX Australia to achieve something truly remarkable which will have a lasting impact," said Kira.

Over the past years, INPEX Australia Environment Advisors, Charles Darwin University (CDU) scientists and BHAC Rangers conducted Country surveys in Northwest Arnhem Land, identifying several species, including a Water Mouse not seen in the NT for over 20 years, Northern Brushtail Possums, and Mangrove, Mertens and Mitchell's Monitors.

In collaboration with Traditional Owners, CDU scientists and Rangers, vegetation and sacred sites were mapped to create a culturally informed fire calendar, restoring traditional fire regimes, and protecting biodiversity. As part of this work, 11 newly identified sacred sites are now registered in Arnhem Land.

The Wumara management plan is based on the cultural knowledge of Traditional Owners, djungkay, and countrymen, and developed in collaboration with INPEX Australia, BHAC and CDU. The plan prioritizes the conservation of the environment and culture, while providing employment and education opportunities for Traditional Owners and rangers.

Established in 2018, the Larrakia Ichthys LNG Foundation Trust (LIFT) was the first such initiative in Australia signed outside of Native Title legislation between Traditional Owners and an operating production company. This landmark agreement between INPEX-led Ichthys Joint Venture and the Larrakia people in Darwin has resulted in a A$24 million commitment to benefit the Larrakia community over the operational life of Ichthys LNG.

For INPEX Australia, the agreement is a recognition of the importance of its relationship with Larrakia and its commitment to support Larrakia people's aspiration to empower their next generation and support those most in need.

Over the last seven years, the LIFT has provided funding to various programs from supporting education and skill up of Larrakia people to providing critical support to Larrakia elderlies. As of 2025, 12 programs are delivered under the LIFT by Larrakia Development Corporation and Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

The INPEX Larrakia Advisory Committee (ILAC) also plays a crucial role in the implementation of the LIFT through providing a strategic guidance to assessing program applications. In 2025, an independent review was undertaken to assess effectiveness of the LIFT after its operation over five years. The review has highlighted strengths as well as areas for improvement. It is one of key priorities for the ILAC to address the recommendations for improvement in consultations with key stakeholders in the coming years.