Gunner: the time for action on Kakadu is now

THE Commonwealth is ultimately responsible for Kakadu National Park, and a significant financial contribution from it is required to reinvigorate the park, writes CHIEF MINISTER MICHAEL GUNNER

Two tourists take in the beautiful landscape below Ubirr rock in Kakadu

WE believe in Jabiru because it is the gateway to one of the worlds greatest heritage listed sites.

It’s a special place, and Jabiru locals have a government that believes in them.

Kakadu is home to the world’s most ancient language and traditions, where people walked the land 65,000 years ago, and where kids of all colours play together and are looked after by all.

Just weeks after my Government was elected into office in 2016 we told the Commonwealth the Northern Territory was at the table to secure the town’s future within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.

We are working with the Mirarr people to transition Jabiru from a mining town to a stand-alone, fully fledged tourism and regional services hub.

It is our absolute priority to create jobs for Territorians.

We envisage Jabiru becoming a world-recognised national and international tourism destination, creating jobs for locals and guaranteeing its future after the imminent closure of the Ranger Uranium Mine.

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A few months ago my Government and the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation unveiled the Mirarr people’s vision for Jabiru through a business plan developed by the Stafford Strategy Consultancy Group, which specialises in tourism planning and economic development.

The plan outlined a pathway for major capital investment and the reinvigoration of Jabiru.

We have guaranteed Jabiru essential services — electricity, water and sewage infrastructure and education and health services at current levels for the next five years.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner poses for a photo at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in 2016

We are backing the establishment of an economic development body, in conjunction with the private sector, to drive diversification of Jabiru’s economy.

But the Commonwealth is ultimately responsible for Kakadu National Park and a significant financial contribution from it is required to reinvigorate the park, which is critical to Jabiru’s future.

Canberra should help pay the $446 million needed to revitalise Jabiru into a world-class hub that will attract private investment, as detailed in the Stafford company’s business plan.

This year Canberra gave a $444 million unsolicited grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Like the Barrier Reef, Kakadu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and deserves the Federal Government’s attention just as much as the reef.

It is time to build something great in Kakadu.