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Kakadu agreement sets new course
             Media Release -17 November 2000

On the eve of the World Heritage Committee meeting in Cairns, the Mirrar people of Kakadu and the Australian Conservation Foundation have signed a historic agreement calling for an end to mining in Kakadu National Park.

The Kakadu Charter was signed today in Darwin by Mirrar Senior Traditional Owner and Chairperson of Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation, Yvonne Margarula and Australian Conservation Foundation President Peter Garrett.

The agreement sends a clear signal to the Federal Government, Opposition and new majority shareholder Rio Tinto that the Mirrar (Traditional Owners of the Ranger and Jabiluka uranium mining lease areas) and the Australian Conservation Foundation will support policies that respect and defend the cultural and environmental heritage of Kakadu.

The charter (attached) also calls for the development of a local Indigenous economy based on sustainable eco-tourism to replace the industrial welfare of mining.

Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation spokeswoman Jacqui Katona welcomed the Charter as recognition of the aspirations of Mirrar for economic independence.

"Mining simply does not belong in Kakadu; it has only wrought devastation on the community and country. This Charter signals a new and stronger unity against the mining agenda in Kakadu. With the support of groups such as ACF, the wider Australian environment movement and the World Heritage Committee we will continue the fight to defend the cultural and environmental integrity of Kakadu. It's now up to the politicians to ensure that Kakadu is protected and Australia not held up to international ridicule," Ms Katona said.

"Jabiluka is a key test of the credibility of both the Federal Government and Rio Tinto," stated ACF President Peter Garrett. "The Australian community has shown it is willing to act to protect our largest National Park and there is growing international concern. Together we are calling on Rio Tinto to demonstrate respect for the significance of Kakadu and the World Heritage Convention by committing to neither develop nor on-sell Jabiluka."

Today's agreement comes amid growing speculation over the fate of Kakadu uranium miner Energy Resources of Australia, with reports this week suggesting the troubled company may be sold by Rio Tinto to the French nuclear corporation Cogema.

The Kakadu Charter has been signed less than a fortnight before the World Heritage Committee to be held in Australia (Cairns, November 27 to December 2). The World Heritage Committee will examine the threats posed to Kakadu National Park by the controversial Jabiluka uranium mine project. Indigenous and environment groups around the world will be watching Cairns for evidence of Rio Tinto's and the Australian Government's commitment to World Heritage and Indigenous rights.

For further information contact Justin O'Brien 0407 0600 99

Dave Sweeney on 0408 317 812

 

Kakadu Charter

 

This Agreement between Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation and the Australian Conservation Foundation is founded on the understanding that: -

  1. Mining activity within the external boundaries of Kakadu National Park poses potential and ascertained threats to the natural and cultural values of this World Heritage area and has been responsible for significant adverse environmental and social impacts;
  2. The ecologically sustainable development of Kakadu as a major tourist destination shall be pursued to aid the establishment of a viable Aboriginal economy independent of mining;
  3. Both parties promote and support federal policies that:

    (a) Ban future mining in Kakadu National Park, including the
    Jabiluka Project,

    (b) Facilitate the expiry of mining tenements within the external
    boundaries of Kakadu National Park;
  4. Management of Kakadu National Park properly recognise the primary decision-making role of Aboriginal Traditional Owners and protect:

    (a) the World Heritage site and its associated natural and
    cultural values

    (b) the ecological values of Ramsar-listed wetlands.

 

Signed,

 

Peter Garrett Yvonne Margarula

President, Australian Conservation Foundation Mirrar Senior Traditional Owner

Chairperson, Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation
 


Michele Matthews, Campaigns, Australian Conservation Foundation
340 Gore Street, FITZROY VIC 3065, Australia
Ph +61 3 9926 6704  Fax +61 3 9416 0767
http://www.acfonline.org.au/

 


the Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia
email robin@anawa.org.au