Clock is ticking for the Territory’s iconic Kakadu National Park

FROM today the NT News, in conjunction with Mix 104.9, start a campaign to implore the Territory and Federal governments to work together to save Kakadu National Park

Young children from around Jabiru in Kakadu National Park are taught Bininj Gunborrk (traditional singing and dancing) by indigenous elders in weekly gatherings to keep their culture alive.

FROM today the NT News, in conjunction with Mix 104.9, start a campaign to implore the Territory and Federal governments to work together to save Kakadu National Park.

This once thriving tourist destination and its epicentre is on the slide.

Jabiru is reaching a critical point as the Ranger uranium mine, a huge employer in the town since 1980, ceases operations in less than three years.

This is a town that has relied on mining and tourism for nearly four decades.

The morning light dances across the lake in Jabiru as all sorts of critters come to life.

The reality is, unless something changes quickly and significant cash is invested, the town will die and that will have significant ramifications for the services Kakadu can offer tourists. Right now, the town can’t even keep a bakery afloat.

From a tourism perspective, there is little doubt Kakadu has been hurt by direct flights to Uluru. In an increasingly busy world, ease of access is so important.

MICHAEL GUNNER: THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW

SAVE KAKADU: JABIRU MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO DIE

Kakadu, unlike Uluru, is not easy to access for tourists. So why can’t we build an airport capable of handling commercial jets? Why can’t we seal the roads to some of Kakadu’s true wonders?

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Minister Michael Gunner must stand up for one of Australia’s greatest icons.

The Feds have no right to wash their hands of this. As managers of the park, it is their problem just as much as the Territory’s.