Jabiru must not be allowed to die

THE tiny Kakadu township of Jabiru is dying a slow death and its dwindling population is pleading with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to save the town

The now defunct Kakadu Bakery at Jabiru. Picture: Keri Megelus

THE tiny Kakadu township of Jabiru is dying a slow death and its dwindling population is pleading with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to save the town and its beloved park.

They have asked the NT News to pass on the message “Save Jabiru, save Kakadu.”

They also asked us to let the Prime Minister know that Kakadu is his government’s responsibility and should be given the same priority and attention by the Federal Government as the Great Barrier Reef.

Both have UNESCO-listing as natural wonders and are worth millions to the nation’s tourism.

And while the Federal Government has given close to half a billion to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef, Jabiru residents crave the same attention for Kakadu National Park.

Residents say unless the Federal Government kicks in for the proposed $446 million overhaul of Jabiru not just the town, but the park, will also be consigned to tourism irrelevance.

They point to the fact that total tourist numbers in the park have fallen from almost 300,000 a year in the late 1980s to about 185,000 today.

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And the number of international tourists coming to Kakadu has plummeted from almost 150,000 per year to only just 30,000 over the same period.

Jabiru has a population just over 1000. In its hey day it was around 3000.

For its part the Federal Government through Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has said some encouraging words which give hope of federal help.

“I think Jabiru has a bright, sustainable future and the focus needs to be on indigenous development, tourism and eco-tourism,” he has said.

A tourist takes a quick photo of the vista below Ubirr rock lookout in Kakadu

He is also on the record saying the Federal Government supports “sustainable management approaches that protect human life, communities and businesses”.

Kakadu locals now want those words backed up with federal funds.

Jabiru has always been home for Elizabeth Marabari.

“I love this town, we need the Prime Minister to protect our town,” she said.

“Too many people are leaving.

“We need them to stay, we need our people to have jobs. We need more tourism, more visitors and more tourism. I’m not sure if the money will come or not. Many say it will not.

“The changes being talked about are good for us all.”

The changes Ms Marabari was referring to are a masterplan overhauling Jabiru

It includes an expansion of Jabiru lake offering croc-free, year-round recreational activities, a five-star lodge and up-market glamping facility, a new airport and a World Heritage Interpretative Centre to showcase the park’s natural and cultural values.

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The blueprint is the vision of traditional owners the Mirarr people who want to reposition Jabiru from a mining town to tourism and regional services hub.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said his government was right behind the people of Jabiru and the proposed masterplan.

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel general manager Chris Chaffe. PIC: Keri Megelus

“We are working with Mirarr to transition Jabiru from a mining town to a stand-alone, fully fledged tourism and regional services centre for the West Arnhem region,” he said.

“A significant financial contribution from the Commonwealth Government will be required to reinvigorate Kakadu National Park, which is critical to Jabiru’s bright future.”

The popular local Jabiru Sports Club would be demolished to make way for a new entry point to the town.

Empty buildings are seen in the Jabiru town centre on Thursday, November 1, 2018 Picture: Keri Megelus

For those that frequent the club it will be sad when it goes, but the future of saving Jabiru is more important to them.

Enoch Nango is a regular from Mudginberri, which is located within the Kakadu National Park, just under 10km from Jabiru.

“It’s pretty sad about this club going but tourism and sharing our culture is the way now and those plans for here will help us all … bring the people back” he said.