Originally established in 1982 as a closed mining town, Jabiru in the Northern Territory is planning its twentieth birthday celebrations. The town owes its existence to the 40 year lease agreement between the Commonwealth Director of National Parks and the Jabiru Town Development Authority (JTDA) drawn up in 1981. Known as a head lease, the agreement covers the 13 square kilometres of the town of Jabiru. Renewal of the lease for a further 40 years is due in 2021.
Jabiru Town Council provides municipal government but as well as meeting the usual requirements under the Northern Territory Local Government Act, also reports to the JTDA. Established by the NT Government, JTDA comprises of seven members appointed by the Minister for Local Government – three from the mining company (Energy Resources of Australia), three from the NT Government and one from the Jabiru Town Council.
The town infrastructure was jointly financed by the NT Government and the mining company.
Some 2,000 people currently live in the town which enjoys all the usual services of a small town. As well as the mining company providing a large amount of employment, being located in World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, means tourism offers substantial job opportunities.
Last year the JTDA released a discussion regarding extending the lease for a further 40 years.
“With the town infrastructure able to accommodate up to twice the current residents any further growth would have minimal impact on the National Park,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer of Jabiru Town Council, Alan Buckingham. “We have one major resort hotel with 100 rooms but with the current demand we could cater for two more of the same size. If the lease is extended taking us out to 60 years, we would be better placed to attract the necessary investment to build these.”
In addition to resort style accommodation, tourists have the choice of a variety of fully serviced camping grounds down to the very basic.
Jabiru Town Council also has a management agreement with neighbouring Gunbalanga Community Government Council. With a population of 1,200, Gunbalanga is located in Arnhem Land. Under the management agreement, both Councils remain as separate legal entities with Jabiru providing administrative support services and financial management.
“We are looking at extending service agreements to other communities,” Allan Buckingham said. “Jabiru is well placed with infrastructure and a recent telecommunications upgrade to act as a regional centre. We are close to providing various online services and skills to remote communities across the west Arnhem region.”
Jabiru also works closely with both Pine Creek and Coomalie Community Government Councils. Known as the Top End Triangle, the four Councils share various resources including accounting and library systems.
“When the Ranger mine is no longer commercially viable, tourism will need to fill the gap to ensure the Town’s survival,” Alan Buckingham. “We are already a popular ecotourism destination but need to target more overseas visitors.”
To this end, Jabiru Town Council has worked with various tourist operators and Parks Australia to recently launch www.topend.biz .
In this the International Year of Ecotourism, Jabiru, in Kakadu National Park, is set to further entrench itself as a world renowned tourism destination.
