Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion hints that Federal Government will put critical funds into reinvigorating Kakadu

THE Territory’s federal senator and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has given the strongest hint yet that the Federal Government will put critical funds into reinvigorating Kakadu

Empty buildings are seen in the Jabiru town centre last week. Picture: Keri Megelus

THE Territory’s federal senator and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has given the strongest hint yet that the Federal Government will put critical funds into reinvigorating Kakadu.

Senator Scullion told the NT News that negotiations were positive and “we look forward to announcing the outcome soon”.

He said the Federal Government genuinely wanted to negotiate in good faith but would not be doing so via the media.

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However he did say the Federal Government is currently negotiating with the Northern Territory Government, traditional owners including the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) and Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) on a plan for Jabiru’s long-term future.

“Kakadu is an iconic World Heritage property supporting indigenous culture, a unique natural environment and an important tourism economy in the NT,” he said.

“The Federal Government is working closely with the NT Government and the local traditional owners, the Mirarr people, to determine future management arrangements for Kakadu and the township of Jabiru.”

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Mr Scullion said he is supporting the Mirarr people, through the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, to engage in these discussions and pursue opportunities for economic development.

“Kakadu is dual World Heritage listed,” he said.

“It is recognised for both its outstanding natural and cultural values and is a place of significant ecological and biological diversity.”

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Jabiru was originally established in 1982 as a mining town serving the Ranger uranium mine and is now the primary accommodation hub for Kakadu’s tourism industry and is a service delivery centre for the broader West Arnhem region.

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