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Koongarra inclusion the perfect gift for Kakadu birthday
On the 25th anniversary of the proclamation of Stage 3 of Kakadu National Park the Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed action by Traditional Aboriginal Owners to protect this unique region from the long term impacts of uranium mining.
Kakadu is Australia’s largest National Park and is World Heritage listed for its cultural and natural importance. On 12 June 1987 Stage 3 of the National Park was proclaimed.
Three areas within Kakadu – Koongarra, Jabiluka and Ranger – were not initially included in the park because of pressure from uranium mining companies and interests.
The Federal Government recently confirmed Koongarra will finally be included in Kakadu following requests from the area’s senior Traditional Owner. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has stated the process for Koongarra’s inclusion is in train and should be completed over the next few months.
Kakadu is a magnificent region that deserves the highest standard of protection for all people for all time
A major national and international effort halted plans by Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) to mine at Jabiluka. The Mirarr Traditional Owners continue to speak strongly against any future mining at Jabiluka.
Mining operations at Ranger – Australia’s oldest uranium mine – have been plagued by leaks and breaches and severe water and waste management issues. With negligible assessment or scrutiny ERA has now begun to turn the troubled operation from an open cut to an underground mine.
“Kakadu is a magnificent region that deserves the highest standard of protection for all people for all time,” said ACF’s nuclear free campaigner Dave Sweeney.
“This 25th anniversary is an important time to acknowledge Kakadu’s beauty and importance and to renew our efforts to end one of the most severe and avoidable threats to the communities and country of Kakadu – uranium mining.”
Note: Kakadu was declared in three stages. Stage one was declared on 5 April 1979, stage two was declared on 28 February 1984, while stage three was declared in successive stages on 12 June 1987, 22 November 1989 and 24 June 1991.
