NLC has negotiated an increased Kakadu rent of $10.7 million per year with Albanese Government

The NLC has negotiated an increased rent of $10.7 million per year with the Albanese Government for a new lease agreement for Kakadu National Park.

Twin Falls viewed from above during a helicopter tour.Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is teeming with wildlife, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, and takes in diverse and exotic landscape. credit: Sam Earp escape 2 January 2022 top gear

The NLC has negotiated an increased rent of $10.7 million per year with the Albanese Government for a new lease agreement for Kakadu National Park.

The Kakadu lease was first signed in 1991 and this is the first ever review.

The lease is with the Director of National Parks.

Negotiations also include a number of reforms to Kakadu National Park detailed in a five-year Partnership Agreement.

All Traditional Owner groups of Kakadu National Park were united in their consent to the lease review and the partnership agreement.

There are four parts to the arrangement negotiated on behalf of traditional owners by the NLC:

*Increased rent amount – (was $1.23 million/year and is now $10.7 million/year) and commercial income of 50 per cent of all commercial revenue such as entry fees, permits, camping fees and licenses.*

*A new economic development fund will be established for the Bininj/Mungguy business with funds from the rental income. (This was an important part of the negotiations for Traditional Owners, who requested that funds be directed at projects to support TO-owned businesses within Kakadu).

*Funding for outstations and changes in the rules so it is easier for traditional owners to live on country.

*A new partnership agreement between traditional owners and the Federal Government supporting legal reforms for traditional owners in Kakadu National Park.

Venture into Arnhem Land and be immersed in Aboriginal culture

Currently the TO revenue is 25 per cent as per the 1991 Kakadu lease and 13.9 per cent for the Gunlom lease. The new lease provides 50 per cent of all commercial revenue to Traditional Owners.

Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan said the investment in Kakadu National Park reflects the vision traditional owners have held for a long time to boost the economic, cultural and environmental sustainability of this ancient wonderland.

“The deal follows a thorough consultation process with traditional owners,” Mr Ryan said.

“It enables them to have a greater say in protecting country and culture in Kakadu, and in the development of prosperity pathways such as job creation, training opportunities and local business expansion.

“Culture and heritage tourism is an important industry and this deal puts the Northern Territory on the map as far as being able to further develop the national park as a world-class attraction.”

Nourlangie Rock and Anbangbang pool in Kakadu

Key outcomes of the five-year partnership agreement are:

*A shared vision for the future of Kakadu National Park, reflecting Traditional Owner aspirations and a renewed co-management approach.

·*Reform of the legislation that underpins joint management, ensuring the governance and management settings for Kakadu are co-designed with traditional owners.

·*A new approach to the Plan of Management, based on Healthy Country frameworks and clan-based boundaries and decision-making processes to better align with cultural governance structures.

*Creation of a Living on Country and Economic Empowerment Fund to help support Traditional Owner’s by providing financial support for housing, infrastructure, and services to enable traditional owners to reside on homelands within Kakadu.

*Support economic empowerment initiatives, including Traditional Owner-led tourism, cultural enterprises, and land management programs.

*Governance Reform and Joint Management including strengthened clan-based decision making and cultural governance structures.

*Reforming the legislation (within 2 years) that underpins joint management including:

Ø Establish Traditional Owner-led governance structures, including a Council of Elders and clan-based decision-making.

Ø Provide a stronger legal foundation for Traditional Owner leadership in cultural, land management, and economic development.

Ø Align with international best practices for co-management of Indigenous lands.

Originally published as NLC has negotiated an increased Kakadu rent of $10.7 million per year with Albanese Government