Labor’s cash injection for Kakadu could bring more tourists

Kakadu National Park could receive more than $200m under plans to bring tourism back to the NT. Read here.

A CASH injection for roads and tourism hopes to bring tourists back to Kakadu National Park.

Under Federal Labor the park will receive a $260m cash injection if elected on May 21.

The UNESCO World Heritage site is consider a national icon, however Traditional Owners say under National Parks Australia’s management the park has fallen into disrepair, with a number of tourist attractions often closed without warning.

In March two of the NT’s top tourist spots were at the centre of a damning federal government report commissioned by current Liberal Environment Minister Sussan Ley.

Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park are among three national parks in Australia that are jointly managed by the federal government and Traditional Owners (TOs).

The Senior Advisory Group on Joint Management Arrangements for Commonwealth National Parks report slammed the peak body for a “lack of trust” with TOs.

The report said current governance was complex but relied on strong relationships between both parties, “which had deteriorated”. “This relationship … must not only be rebuilt but must move forward in line with the significant advance in recognition of the cultural importance and rights of Indigenous people,” the report states.

“TOs must be confident there is a real respect for culture and customs, ownership of land and the important part Traditional Owners play in the care and management of the parks as national cultural icons.”

The report said problems were further compounded by the government’s “plethora of unfilled commitments” in leasing and management.

The lack of access to employment was particularly contentious.

For Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (GAC), who represent the Mirarr Traditional Owners of Kakadu National Park, the report was a welcomed relief.

“The report goes into some detail about the lack of trust between Traditional Owners and the parks authority, however in our view it doesn’t go far enough,” said GAC chief executive Justin O’Brien.

“There is an extra $48m for the three parks, along with commitments from government (for change), so they have clearly been listening.”

Mr O’Brien said the old board of management created in the 1990s needed to be overhauled.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the $48m would include $10.6m to reform employment frameworks in consultation with TOs.

“I will work through the recommendations with the Traditional Owners and Parks Australia but have already asked Parks Australia to implement further measures.”