Agreement to secure Jabiru’s post-mining future as a tourism hub

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley will sign a ‘historic’ agreement in Jabiru today, securing the town’s tourism future.

A jabiru in flight over the floodplains in Kakadu National Park. Picture: Tourism NT/Steve Strike

FEDERAL Environment Minister Sussan Ley will travel to Jabiru on Wednesday to sign a “historic” memorandum of understanding hailed as securing the town’s future as a tourism hub.

The MOU, between the federal and Territory governments, mining company Energy Resources of Australia and traditional owners, aims to support Jabiru’s transition from the resources industry to serving as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

ERA is scheduled to cease operations at the Ranger mine by 2021 and the signatories have committed to growing the town as a regional services and tourism centre for Kakadu and the West Arnhem region.

Ms Ley said the agreement was about “working together to ensure that the community will prosper and the mining land is cared for”.

“The Australian Government has committed $216 million to Kakadu with $35 million directly supporting Jabiru’s transition from mining to tourism,” she said.

“Importantly, the certainty that comes from this MOU will encourage further private investment.”

The NT Government has also committed $135.5 million to the transition and Territory Aboriginal Affairs Minister Selena Uibo said Kakadu was home to the oldest continuous culture on earth.

“The Territory Labor Government will work closely with the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation to support the employment opportunities tourism will present for the Mirarr people so they can achieve their social and economic aspirations,” she said.

“The Mirarr traditional owners, by drawing upon more than 65,000 years of knowledge and wisdom, can improve the visitor experience for those who come to visit this very special part of the Territory.”

GAC chair and senior TO Valerie Balmoore said a new partnership with the NT Government, Jabiru Kabolkmakmen Ltd, would guide the post-mining move following the development of a Jabiru master plan.

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

“We welcome the investment commitments from the Commonwealth and the NT and ERA in supporting our goals.

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

ERA chief executive Paul Arnold said the mining company would continue to have a presence in Jabiru as it undertakes the rehabilitation of the ranger project area.

“I want to acknowledge the leadership of the Mirarr traditional owners and the contributions of the Commonwealth and NT governments toward creating a future for Jabiru,” he said.

“ERA is proud of its role in establishing the town and the contribution of our people to the community over the last 40 years.

“We look forward to continuing to be a valued member of the community and working closely with the Mirarr and the Commonwealth and NT Governments to support the transition of Jabiru.”

Remediation work at the mine is due to be completed by 2026.