The town of Jabiru

Surrounded by one of earth’s oldest landscapes, Jabiru is situated on a 13 km² lease within the 20,000 km² Kakadu National Park.

Along with mine construction, the township of Jabiru was created in an otherwise sparsely populated area. The Commonwealth Government leased the area to the Jabiru Town Development Authority to construct a town for the workers and families of three proposed uranium mines that were to proceed at that time under three different companies (Ranger, Jabiluka and Koongarra). Only Ranger has gone ahead. Total construction costs amounted to some $98 million including Energy Resources of Australia Ltd’s (ERA) contribution of $62 million.

Modelled on suburban Canberra and named after Australia’s only stork, Jabiru was completed in 1982. Responsibility for administration and municipal services subsequently passed to the Jabiru Town Council.

The town is now home to employees and families of ERA, local tourist and business operators, Commonwealth and Territory Government departments, Parks Australia and Aboriginal associations and corporations, among others. To protect the surrounding Park, certain restrictions are placed on domestic plants and pets - no cats are allowed to be kept in Jabiru.

Being nestled near the spectacular Arnhem escarpment, the town is also the perfect base for exploring Kakadu National Park and offers travellers, as well as residents the modern services needed to enjoy the surrounding wilderness.

Jabiru itself offers welcome attractions for locals such as an Olympic size swimming pool and a challenging nine hole golf course. Other sports such as rugby, Australian Rules and tennis are all enjoyed by locals and supported by ERA.

The Jabiru Mahbilil Festival, held in early September each year, is named for the region’s seasonal winds. ERA is one of many local sponsors. It includes a mixture of European and Aboriginal culture through live music, dance performances, art workshops, clothing and food and craft appreciation. After sunset a fireworks display is mirrored on Lake Jabiru.

Quality souvenirs and an array of locally produced arts and crafts are available through the town’s commercial outlets.  Dining options cater to all tastes from full a la carte with a traditional “Aussie” flare to a quick snack. The famous Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, built from mining royalties received by the Gagudju Association, also offers all the amenities of a four star hotel. Other tourism ventures built from mining royalties include Cooinda Lodge and the famous Yellow Waters Cruise.  Other Aboriginal owned economic interests include the local Mobil service station and a variety of cultural tour operations.

Community Management

Jabiru is administered by the Jabiru Town Development Authority (JTDA), a statutory body established under the Jabiru Town Development Act..  Environmental issues are managed to satisfy the requirements of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 and the Kakadu National Park Plan of Management.

Municipal services within the town are provided by the Jabiru Town Council (JTC) which was established in 1984 under the Jabiru Town Development Act. Since that time the JTDA, which was established to “develop and manage the town of Jabiru”, has gradually delegated responsibility for almost all of its local government service functions to the JTC.  For more information regarding the town of Jabiru, visit the JTC website at http://www.jabiru.nt.gov.au

The land on which the town of Jabiru is located is currently recognised as Commonwealth land. However, a Native Title claim has been lodged to have the Jabiru head lease recognised as Aboriginal land. ERA supports an outcome that recognises Aboriginal ownership while providing security of tenure for existing businesses/services. ERA, through the town of Jabiru and the Ranger mine has been a strong supporter of both the local and Territory community. The Company keenly plays its part as a member of community or industry issue groups where it is requested.

One example is ERA’s membership of the region’s Gunbang Action Group. This Group was formed as a result of a public meeting on the issue of alcohol - alcohol is referred to as Gunbang in the local Aboriginal language. The Group is made up of approximately 22 representatives from 18 community groups and has been studying the effects of alcohol on the local community since its establishment.

As part of the Jabiru Sports and Social Club (JSSC) lease agreement, ERA (as JSSC building owner) requested that no takeaway alcohol be sold from the premises.

ERA’s operational commitments are also supported by broader commitments to the industry at the Territory level.