PUTTING KAKADU BACK ON THE MAP

Plans unveiled today to support Jabiru and Kakadu National Park is the foresight needed to ensure one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders remains a must visit destination for locals and overseas tourists.

Tourism & Transport Forum Chief Executive Officer Margy Osmond welcomed the Prime Minister’s $216 million rescue package announcement aimed at supporting and generating growth at Jabiru and Kakadu National Park.

“We are so lucky to have Kakadu National Park in our own backyard and it is heartening to see the Federal Government follow the Northern Territory Government’s lead in supporting the revitalisation of culturally important land,” Ms Osmond said.

“The TTF has long called for all governments to dig deep into their pockets and invest in improving Kakadu’s road network, infrastructure, and visitor experience to benefit the NT economy overall.

“The redevelopment of Jabiru into an exciting tourism hub and increasing visitor infrastructure at Kakadu National Park are the first steps to increasing foot traffic back into the high 300,000s they once were.

“This innovative approach to redevelop available land and cultivate new and enhanced visitor experiences is a push in the right direction; connecting culture with country and allowing a visitor to be immersed in a timeless iconic natural wonder.

“The appetite of visitors and locals to understand and engage with Australia’s traditional owners will be critical to the development of new tourism content over the next decade.  We know from the recent National Visitor Survey that people are leaning towards holidays that involve the great outdoors and national parks.

“The land and the people are at the core of Australia’s growing popularity as a ‘must-do’ tourism experience and the foundation of this appeal is our unique and rich indigenous culture,” Ms Osmond said.

The Tourism & Transport Forum will continue to support the important work of the Mirrar people and thanks the Traditional Owners for their willingness to share their wonderful land with the wider community.