Jabiru’s transition to community control continues 

10 December 2023

The Northern Territory Government is continuing to support the $135.5 million transition of Jabiru from a mining town to a sustainable tourism and regional services hub. 

Another milestone has been ticked, with the Territory Government and Jabiru Kabolkmakmen Ltd (JKL) signing an agreement to move the organisation to a wholly community-controlled housing entity.

The organisation will be renamed Jabiru Property Services.  

The transition accords with the Government’s Local Decision-Making principles and provides the Mirarr people with a stronger voice in relation to housing in Jabiru. It also further progresses the realisation of the Mirarr vision for Jabiru as outlined in the Jabiru Masterplan.

The transition recognises JKL’s successes in supporting the transition of Jabiru through tenure and housing work, stakeholder support and facilitating social and economic development for the region. 

JKL played a key role in many aspects of the Future of Jabiru and Kakadu program, including:

• Supporting program governance and implementation by providing secretariat support to the former Jabiru Town Development Authority, Jabiru-Kakadu Taskforce, and chairing the Project Control Group supporting the Taskforce.
• Supporting the transition of tenure arrangements and the rectification of more than 30% (174) of the town’s 476 residential dwellings enabling 78 sub-leases over 156 dwellings, in turn delivering property services to many of Jabiru’s residents. 
• Coordinating and implementing projects and activities in relation to remediation works in Jabiru, including infrastructure assessments, agreement instruments, works package development and scheduling to support agreements by the Taskforce on remediation works.
• Completing a comprehensive survey of social and community needs for Jabiru.

The transition is the latest milestone in the NT Government’s commitment to the future of Jabiru and Kakadu. Following the opening of the Jabiru Hybrid Power Station in 2021, achievements include mobile connectivity upgrades, NBN upgrades, and progressing construction of the $20 million Jabiru Health Clinic. 

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles: 

“Jabiru is an iconic Territory town – the gateway to Kakadu National Park and the West Arnhem Region. 

“We are investing millions into Jabiru to transform it into the tourism and services hub we know it is well positioned to be.

“This new transition ticks another milestone, and gives the community of Jabiru control of the homes that are built in their community and the best place for them.”

Quotes attributed to the Minister for Local Decision Making, Selena Uibo:

“Local Decision Making is delivering for Aboriginal Territorians by improving services and providing new opportunities for jobs on country and strengthening capacity and leadership.

“Unlike the CLP, who relinquished all Northern Territory Government responsibility for Jabiru, the Territory Labor Government is investing in the future of this very special part of the Territory.

“Today’s announcement is about more power to the Mirarr people to tell us what they need to succeed.” 

Quotes attributed to the Member for Arafura, Manuel Brown: 

“The Territory Government is investing $135 million in making sure the community of Jabiru and the Mirarr people get to make their own decisions. 

“Jabiru is the gateway to Kakadu, and a place which should be bustling with opportunity, this is what the Territory Government is making sure happens.” 

Quotes attributed to Gundjeihmi CEO Thalia van den Boogaard:

“JKL’s success in supporting the transition of the town would not have been possible without the clear vision of the Mirarr traditional owners and funding support from NT Government. 

“GAC would like to thank the Northern Territory Government for the ongoing support and funding that has allowed JKL to make significant contributions to the transition of Jabiru throughout each phase of the organisation’s growth.”

“In light of progress made in Jabiru and the establishment of the township entity Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation Jabiru Town (GACJT), now is the right time for a wholly community-controlled housing entity to focus on housing as a crucial requirement to enable the Mirarr vision of Jabiru. The repurposed Jabiru Property Services is a sure guarantee that we will focus on Jabiru’s property market, to realise the Mirarr vision and benefit all people in and across the region.”

Northern Territory Government