Historic handover of Kakadu’s Jabiru township

Joint media release

Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Sussan Ley MP

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon. Ken Wyatt AM MP

The Federal Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley and Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt will today realise a significant milestone for Traditional Owners, formally handing the Kakadu township of Jabiru to the Mirarr People.

Almost 4000 kilometres from the nation’s capital, the township of Jabiru, built to support the Ranger uranium mine will now become a hub to support Kakadu tourism with significant investment from the Federal and Northern Territory Governments.

Minister Wyatt officially handed the title document to senior Traditional Owners, accompanied by Minister Ley and the Jabiru community.

Minister Ley said the formal handover today ahead of the agreed date of June 30 represents months of good faith negotiations by all parties and reflects a long-term Government commitment to return the town to Traditional Owners.

“Today marks the start of a new chapter and a bright future for Jabiru. One which sees Mirarr ownership and management of the land which they have been the custodians of for generations and supports the preservation of the cultural and natural values of Kakadu National Park,” Minister Ley said.

“This is a proud day in Australia’s history. The handover marks the culmination of years of work between the Australian Government, Mirarr people, Director of National Parks and key stakeholders including the Northern Land Council and Northern Territory Government to secure the long-term future of the town.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the granting of Jabiru as Aboriginal land, and the commencement of the new township lease held by a local Indigenous organisation, demonstrates what can be achieved by working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The transition of Jabiru gives Traditional Owners the economic security and control of local decision-making needed to build a prosperous future for generations to come,” Minister Wyatt said.

Senior Mirarr Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula said this was a great day for Mirarr people.

“The handing back of the Jabiru township to the Mirarr traditional owners recognises our land rights here and will give us a foundation for economic independence,” Ms Margarula said.

“We are excited for the future of Jabiru and for the future of all our people.”

The Jabiru township was originally established nearly 40 years ago to provide housing and services to support the adjacent Ranger Mine, which ceased operations in January 2021.

Jabiru will grow as a tourism and regional services hub for Kakadu and the West Arnhem region. To secure this future and support these communities, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2019 between the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government and Energy Resources Australia, with a vision of retaining Jabiru as a services and tourism hub for the surrounding region.

In 2018 the Mirarr Traditional Owners celebrated the recognition of their native title rights and interests over Jabiru under Australian law. Acknowledging the resolution of the native title claim, the Commonwealth remained committed to Jabiru becoming Aboriginal land.

The Australian Government will invest $35 million directly into Jabiru for a range of remediation measures to support the long-term future of the town, as well as a range of beautification projects such as improvements to the town plaza and bus shelters, upgrades to the lake park and pool, construction of a new carpark, and commissioning of public artwork from local artists.

This investment is part of the Australian Government’s $276 million investment into revitalising Kakadu National Park through new and upgraded tourism infrastructure and improved roads and access.

Images and video of the Jabiru township handover will be available after the event.