Toogimbie
Indigenous Protected Area (IPA)
The Nari Nari people manage the Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), spanning 4,600 hectares on the Murrumbidgee River's floodplain. Their efforts focus on restoring and protecting wetlands, endangered species, and cultural heritage sites. This area supports both biodiversity and traditional cultural practices, reflecting its historical significance as part of a major Indigenous trade route. It’s a perfect blend of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation
The Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) covers 4,600 hectares and includes former pasture lands and contrasting eucalypt-lined creeks, waterways and a floodplain. It was dedicated as an IPA in 2004.
The traditional life of the Nari Nari people revolved around Toogimbie's wetlands, which are home to totem animals and traditional medicines. The Hay area was once part of a major Indigenous trade route which supported a vast social and cultural network, however much of the cultural history of local Indigenous people was lost following colonisation.
Toogimbie’s Murrumbidgee River wetlands belong to the region’s first Lignum floodplains to be set aside for conservation purposes, to support endangered or vulnerable plant and animal species.
Situated north of the famous Hay Plain, the Toogimbie landscape includes flat former pasture lands contrasting with eucalypt-lined creeks and waterways, and a nearby floodplain.
IPA activities are protecting the scarred trees, campsites and burial mounds found on Toogimbie, as well as helping reconnect the people to their land.
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Toogimbie IPA represents both a visual and spiritual link between the health of the land, its water systems and its people.
The local ecosystem and wildlife habitats have been affected by former farming practices, and by timber cutting along waterways. As a result, the Toogimbie wetlands are environmentally degraded and fragile, and are the main focus of land management activities. Managed intervention by the Tribal Council supports the recovery of the land, and is helping to ensure a sustainable future for both the Nari Nari and their environment.
