Traditional owners move one step closer to regaining Jabiru after crucial bill introduced in Canberra
TRADITIONAL owners of Jabiru in Kakadu are one step closer to regaining control of their township, after significant land rights legislation was introduced in federal parliament
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TRADITIONAL owners of Jabiru in Kakadu are one step closer to regaining control of their township, after significant land rights legislation was introduced in federal parliament on Wednesday.
The federal leasing arrangements of the Jabiru township, built more than four decades ago to support the nearby Ranger uranium mine, will end in June 2021.
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The Mirarr traditional owners, represented by the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, have campaigned for Jabiru to be returned to local control, crafting a masterplan to turn the place into an indigenous-led tourism and services town.
Indigenous Minister Ken Wyatt yesterday introduced legislation that, if passed, would make Jabiru Aboriginal land under law, and allow a long-term township lease.
“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we foster an environment where we can enable more jobs and economic growth to ensure prosperity for all indigenous Australians,” Mr Wyatt said.
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“This Bill is economic empowerment.“
Mr Wyatt said the Bill formed part of the Government’s $216 million commitment to revitalising Jabiru and Kakadu National Park.
Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Justin O’Brien said the Bill had been a “long time coming”, thanking the Government for making them a priority “despite the current interruptions to parliament”.
“The option of a community entity means traditional owners now have the flexibility to take urgent steps to reassure the community and secure the town’s future,” he said.
The Northern Land Council also welcomed the progress, with chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi saying the Mirarrerr had put up with uranium mining “on their country for too long”.
The mine is owned by ASX-listed Energy Resources Australia, which is 68 per cent owned by Rio Tinto.
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The company is required to remediate the mine site and return it to a state fit to be incorporated in the surrounding Kakadu National Park by 2026.
The clean-up, which has faced financial and corporate hurdles, is estimated to cost $799 million.
The Bill will be debated, at the earliest, when parliament resumes in August.
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