Mirrar celebrate Jabiru power station

Traditional Owners welcome a new era in Jabiru with the opening of the new solar power station.

TRADITIONAL Owners were instrumental in ensuring solar energy replaced ‘dirty power’ in Jabiru.

The former mining town located on Mirrar land within Kakadu National Park previously relied on power from the now defunct Ranger Mine.

Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman Ruth Gamarrawu said it was a significant milestone in life after the mine for the town.

“This is a big day for Jabiru and for Mirrar. It means the town is no longer dependant on power generated at the closed mine The NT have done a great job and we’re happy,” she said.

“This power station has our support as Traditional Owners under Aboriginal law and it also has a sub-lease from us under balanda law. “

Mirrar people congratulated the Territory government for delivering a new power station in the town to replace generations of diesel fuel supply.

Prior to the mine’s closure the Mirrar created a 10 year ‘masterplan and vision” for the future of Jabiru.

A key focus for re-establishing the town was to ensure it was a “sustainable and resource efficient town”.

In a statement released to NT News on Tuesday, Mirrar said the Territory government was “delivering a key milestone for achieving (their) goal”.

The nearby uranium mine operation ceased operating on 9 January 2021 and the township lease expired on 30 June 2021.

Jabiru was returned to Indigenous ownership and is now Aboriginal land under the Northern Territory Land Rights Act.

From July 2021, Mirarr have delivered subleases for major projects such as this new power station as well as key tourism business.

Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Power Station

JABIRU is now running on 100 per cent solar power, following the completion of the town’s Hybrid Renewable Power Station.

Construction on the station was completed this week. It will provide Jabiru with at least 50 per cent renewable energy over the long-term using a hybrid model of solar generation, battery and diesel power.

The new Jabiru Power Station is set to be switched on, and will feature a hybrid solar-battery/diesel operation. Picture: NT government

The operation is the equivalent of 1600 cars being removed off the road each year.

It is being run by Energy Developments Pty Ltd and is part of the NT government’s $135.5m commitment to the Future of Jabiru and Kakadu package.

“The Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Power Station is now providing the town with stable, reliable energy that is at least 50 per cent renewable over the long term, enabling the community to realise their vision of being an ecologically sustainable tourism and cultural hub for the region,” EDL chief executive James Harman said.

$11m investment for recycling

THE Federal and Northern Territory Government will come together to invest $11 million into recycling infrastructure in the Territory.

It is the largest single financial injection to the cause in Territory history.

A new Materials Recovery Facility is to be established in Katherine as a way of addressing the imbalances of recycling opportunities across the regions.

Northern Territory Minister for Environment, Eva Lawler, said the NT will use funding to open a grants program, focusing on new recycling and recovery infrastructure.

“The Territory Government is protecting the environment and creating opportunities to grow the Territory’s economy by turning waste into a valuable commodity,” she said.

“We will create opportunities to grow local business focusing on keeping waste out of landfill and recycling our waste into valuable commodities.

The RMF is part of the Australian Government’s $1 billion transformation of Australia’s waste and recycling industries.

Originally published as Mirrar celebrate Jabiru power station