Jabiru future: Four-way agreement to transition mining town to tourism hub

JABIRU’S transition from a mining town to tourism hub for Kakadu National Park and the West Arnhem region takes a major step forward tomorrow

Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a visit to the Bowali Visitor Centre, Jabiru in January. Picture: AAP

JABIRU’S transition from a mining town to tourism hub for Kakadu National Park and the West Arnhem region takes a major step forward tomorrow.

It is expected there will be a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Territory and Federal governments, traditional owners and Energy Resources of Australia.

Northern Territory Aboriginal Affairs Minister Selena Uibo said an MOU would secure the town’s future as the tourism heartland of the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.

A spectacular sunrise over the South Alligator River in iconic Kakadu National Park. Picture: Keri Megelus

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley is believed to be joining Ms Uibo, traditional owners from the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation and Energy Resources of Australia in Jabiru for the signing, a four-way commitment to the $446 million Jabiru masterplan.

The NT Government has committed $135.5 million to the town. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed the majority of a $216.2 million federal commitment, “in the order of $150 million will be provided by 2022-23”.

“The Commonwealth remains committed to a funding package of up to $216.2 million to support jobs and tourism growth in Kakadu and help remediate the township of Jabiru, as announced on 13 January 2019,” he said in a letter to Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

“I look forward to working with you to implement the funding package for Kakadu and settling arrangements for the future of Jabiru.”

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Senior Mirarr Traditional Owner and Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation chair Valerie Balmoore welcomed the investment commitments from the Federal and Northern Territory governments and ERA.

“The master plan is our vision for the new Jabiru town,” she said.

“Jabiru and Kakadu are places where we can share our cultural heritage with future generations.”

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Ms Uibo said the Territory Government would work closely with GAC to support the employment opportunities tourism will present for the Mirarr people “so they can achieve their social and economic aspirations”.

“The Mirarr traditional owners can improve the visitor experience for those who come to visit this very special part of the Territory,” Minister Uibo said.