Originally established as a service town for employees of the Ranger uranium mine, Jabiru township is now preparing to change its character to meet changing circumstances. Each year, increasing numbers of people pass through Jabiru when they come to see the unique landscape and cultural experience of Kakadu National Park.
Following the development of the Darwin Rural Economic Development Strategy, one of six covering the major administrative regions in the Northern Territory, Jabiru Town Council aims to reinvent itself as a ‘tourist town’.
It aims to meet the myriad needs of some 235,000 visitors the region now hosts each year. To do this Council has developed five separate strategies. The first of these will see the enhancement of the shopping centre with landscaping, promotion of attractions and facilities and special events.
A second strategy will develop and install town signage to provide a ‘sense of arrival’. An interpretive map will soon be produced to encourage visitors to stop and enjoy the attractions and facilities in Jabiru.
The remaining three strategies aim to meet a range of accommodation needs. Plans are being made for ‘safari camp’ style accommodation in Kakadu and West Arnhem land.
Budget motel accommodation is planned for visitors in Jabiru itself, as well as additional accommodation to house tourism industry employees. To supplement the Strategy, additional infrastructure work throughout the Territory is proposed.
This includes enhancement of landscapes along major tourist routes, extended bus routes and provision of funding to enable Councils to upgrade tourist areas.
For further information contact Karin Underwood, telephone (08) 8979 2488.
