The Mirarr Traditional Owners of Jabiru in Kakadu National Park would like to congratulate the Northern Territory Government for delivering a new power station to replace the town’s previous diesel fuel supply from the Ranger Uranium Mine.
Jabiru is a former mining and government service town located on Mirarr land within Kakadu National Park. The nearby uranium mine operation ceased on 9 January 2021 and the township lease expired on 30 June 2021. With the support of both the Commonwealth Minister, Hon Ken Wyatt, and the Northern Territory Government under Chief Minister Michael Gunner, Jabiru was returned to Indigenous ownership and is now Aboriginal land under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act.
Through Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation Jabiru Town (GACJT), the Mirarr now formally own and manage the town. After the hand back of the land 1 July 2021, the Mirarr have successfully delivered sub-leases for major projects and businesses in the town. Aurora caravan park operated by APP and the Crocodile Hotel, both located in Jabiru, are preparing to sign their long-term sub-leases which will set the foundation for continued investment in the future of both Jabiru and Kakadu National Park.
Brisbane-based energy company EDL was awarded the contract to construct the Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Project in March 2021, before commencing construction in June of the same year. After many months of work, which included engaging the local Djurrubu Rangers to safely relocate local wildlife from the site, the power station is now operating in full hybrid capacity. Using the latest technology, the station will draw at least 50 percent of its electricity from a 4.5MW solar farm.
In 2018, the Mirarr issued their 10-year Masterplan and Vision for the Future of Jabiru. One of the key goals of the Masterplan is for Jabiru to be a “sustainable and resource efficient town.” With the power station now operating, the Northern Territory Government has delivered a key milestone in achieving this goal.
The Chair of GACJT, Ms Ruth Gamarrawu welcomed the news of the power station’s commissioning.
“This is a big day for Jabiru and for Mirarr. It means the town is no longer dependant on power generated at the closed mine. The NTG have done a great job and we’re happy. This power station has our support as Traditional Owners under Aboriginal law and it also has a sub-lease from us under balanda law. “
For more information - https://edlenergy.com/project/jabiru/
The Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Power Station
