Qantas has lauded a new $351.7 million government funding agreement for Kakadu National Park as exactly the bold infrastructure investment the Northern Territory needs.
Andrew David, CEO of the national carrier’s domestic arm, congratulated the Australian and Northern Territory governments on the funding deal sealed, and said the “large and bold investment in infrastructure” would boost domestic and international visitors to the region.
Jabiru is on track to become home to Australia’s premier, locally-led Aboriginal cultural visitor experience, thanks to the $351.7 million funding commitment signed by both levels of government to guide Jabiru’s post-mining transformation.
With the Ranger Uranium Mine due to cease production in 2021, Jabiru’s Mirrar Traditional Owners envisage their ancestral lands transforming into the tourism heart of Kakadu National Park; a sustainable, eco-destination that celebrates the oldest continuous culture on earth.
The Australian Government’s $216.2 million investment over 10 years will support the establishment of a world heritage interpretive centre, along with a tourism masterplan, and road upgrades to boost year round accessibility to key sites within the Kakadu National Park. It will also support land remediation works following the closure of the mine.
The Northern Territory Government $135.5 million will support the establishment of the Bininj Resource Centre, along with upgrades to local Jabiru infrastructure, a new power station, a government services hub, upgraded health clinic and a designated education precinct.
The two levels of government are co-investing to improve mobile phone coverage across Kakadu National Park.
The Jabiru Masterplan, informed by the Mirrar vision for the town, is supported by the independent Jabiru Business Case report, which estimates that in the first year of new attractions and development projects, Kakadu visitation numbers will increase by nearly 100,000.
Additionally, the report estimates 125 ongoing jobs will be created in Jabiru as a result of the planned development projects and initiatives.
Development opportunities include an eco-recreation hub, a wellness centre, a five-star lodge with glamping, a Lake Jabiru boardwalk and a croc-proof swimming enclosure.
Source: NT Government