The future of Jabiru is important to the Territory Labor Government – this is why an investment of $135.5 million over four years is being made into the town.
This funding will transform Jabiru with the establishment of the Bininj Resource Centre, along with upgrades to local infrastructure, a new power station, a government services hub, an upgraded health clinic and a designated education precinct.
The Territory Government this week announced a call for Expressions of Interest inviting private sector investment to build, own and operate a new power station in Jabiru creating local jobs and assisting to achieve the Territory’s 50% renewable energy target.
Providing green power in communities such as Jabiru, which are not connected to one of the three main electricity grids, has the potential to result in significant savings in greenhouse emissions.
Identifying alternative energy supply for remote communities is one of the actions under the Territory Labor Government’s Roadmap to Renewables implementation plan. The Jabiru project is a step further toward delivering on this while also creating permanent Territory jobs.
Other job creating developments in the Jabiru region include the contract awarded to local business Advance Civil Engineering to build a bridge over Kambolgie Creek and upgrade 1.7 kilometres along Gimbat Road.
Construction has commenced on the $6.4 million road, which is supporting more than 35 local jobs, improving accessibility for tourists to the popular Kambolgie Creek Campground and other tourist attractions within Kakadu National Park on both the north and south escarpments of the South Alligator River – construction is due for completion in 2020.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
““The Territory Labor Government has listened, and we have acted. Jabiru is an important town, not just as the gateway to Kakadu National Park, but as a service centre for all those who live in the West Arnhem region.
“Unlike the CLP who walked away from Jabiru, we are making sure there is investment in the town, making sure there is ongoing jobs.
“We are supporting the Mirarr people to unlock the social and economic potential of their land, which will not just improve the lives of Aboriginal Territorians but will benefit all Territorians.”
Quotes attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Selena Uibo:
“Jabiru is, and always has been Aboriginal land. The Territory Labor Government will work closely with GAC to support the employment opportunities tourism will present for the Mirarr people, so they can achieve their social and economic aspirations.
“Kakadu is home to the oldest continuous culture on earth. The Mirrar traditional owners, by drawing upon more than 65,000 years of knowledge and wisdom, can improve the visitor experience for those who come to visit this very special part of the Territory.”
Quotes attributed to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:
“Our Governments top priority is jobs and these works will support more than 35 local jobs and improve access for our tourists and locals - upgrading the road and constructing a bridge is going to improve access during the wetter months, where it would normally have frequent closures and provide more opportunities for tourists to visit some of the parks famous attractions”
“Kakadu National Park is one of the Northern Territory’s major tourist attractions, and Gimbat Road is an important access route to a number of the parks exceptional attractions.
Media Contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192