Blueprint unveiled for $500 million redevelopment of Kakadu’s capital, Jabiru

THE blueprint for a $500 million redevelopment of Kakadu’s capital, Jabiru, will be unveiled by the Gunner Labor Government and the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation today

An artist’s impression of a World Heritage Interpretive Centre design concept (indoor/outdoor performance area)

THE blueprint for a $500 million redevelopment of Kakadu’s capital, Jabiru, will be unveiled by the Gunner Labor Government and the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation today.

Jabiru sits within the world heritage listed Kakadu National Park, 260km southeast of Darwin.

The blueprint is the vision of traditional owners the Mirarr people who want to reposition Jabiru from a uranium reliant mining town to tourism and regional services hub.

An artist’s impression of a concept plan for safe swimming at Lake Jabiru

Two aspects of the Masterplan, which is supported by the Jabiru Business Case, is for an expansion of Jabiru lake offering croc-free, year-round recreational activities and a World Heritage Interpretative Centre to showcase the Park’s natural and cultural values.

Jabiru, which has a population of about 1100, was built in 1982 as a mining residential and service hub. Energy Resources of Australia operates Ranger uranium mine about 8km from the township. Ranger is Australia’s oldest operating uranium mine.

ERA’s lease expires in 2021, and the rehabilitation of the mine has to be completed by 2026.

The company is required to return the town of Jabiru to its pre-development state, removing housing and critical infrastructure, including power and water services.

An artist’s impression of the Lake Jabiru boardwalk concept

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the reinvigoration of Jabiru will require a significant investment.

“We are working with Mirarr to transition Jabiru from a mining town to a stand-alone, fully fledged tourism and regional services centre for the West Arnhem region,” he said.

“A significant financial contribution from the Commonwealth Government will be required to reinvigorate Kakadu National Park, which is critical to Jabiru’s bright future.

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“The Territory Labor Government has guaranteed to provide essential services such as electricity, water and sewage infrastructure to Jabiru, along with a guarantee to provide education and health services at current levels for the next five years.”

ERA chief executive Paul Arnold said ERA is committed to meeting its rehabilitation obligations for the town and will continue to work with Governments and Traditional Owners.

“ERA will continue to have a significant presence in the region for a number of years as we progressively rehabilitate the Ranger mine, and we want to assure the community, our employees, and private and commercial tenants that we are determined to make the transition for those affected as smooth as possible,” he said.

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ABOUT JABIRU

■ Jabiru has a population of about 1100

■ It was built in 1982 as a mining residential and service hub for the Ranger uranium mine

■ Ranger is Australia’s longest continually operating uranium mine and sits on the edge of Kakadu National Park, 260km south-east of Darwin

■ Energy Resources of Australia operates the mine. Its mine lease will end at 2021. It must be rehabilitated to its original state by 2026

■ The Mirarr are the traditional owners of the area

■ The blueprint includes an expansion of Jabiru lake offering croc-free, year-round recreational activities and a World Heritage Interpretative Centre to showcase the Park’s natural and cultural values