Gunner open to taking Kakadu under NT Government control

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner said he would be happy to enter into negations to take Kakadu National Park back into NT Government control

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he would be happy to enter into negations to take Kakadu back into NT Government control. Picture: Che Chorley

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he would be happy to enter into negations to take Kakadu National Park back into NT Government control.

It comes as the traditional owner board members say they have lost all faith, confidence and trust in Parks Australia’s ­ability to effectively manage Kakadu.

Mr Gunner said he was aware of the “significant concerns” of traditional owners, including the potential damage of a sacred sight.

“We remain ready to receive the park if that’s the decision of the traditional owners and obviously with the Australian Government on board,” he told ABC Darwin.

“If they want us to be in control of that asset, we’re more than happy to enter into those negations, manage that park and make sure it is genuinely an asset to Territorians.”

The Chief Minister said tourism operators there have also been struggling.

“There was a bad communication to tourism operators and I understood they geared up twice (to reopen the park) which is an extremely expensive thing to do for an operator to bring on staff and supplies and then not be able to sell your product,” he said.

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“Traditional owners have general concerns with the relationships they’ve got with Parks Australia at the moment.

“I’m sorry to see it because Kakadu is too important for there to be this kind of problem in the Territory. We really need this relationship to be repaired ASAP.”

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