Kakadu

A Landscape of Global Significance

Kakadu contains an extraordinary diversity of ecosystems and wildlife. The region supports around one-third of Australia’s bird species, more native fish species than the Murray–Darling system, and many threatened animals. For the Mirrar people, Kakadu is deeply interconnected with culture, law and responsibility to Country. Their Country contains significant songlines, sacred sites and rock art dating back at least 60,000 years. The Mirrar recognise six seasons within their landscape and maintain longstanding cultural obligations to care for Country and pass it on to future generations.

Mining Threats

During the 1970s, Kakadu National Park was progressively declared across much of Mirrar Country. However, the region was also identified as a major uranium mining area. While mining was excluded from the first two stages of the national park, proposed mining developments continued to threaten parts of the region. The Mirrar people strongly opposed uranium mining on their Country, expressing concerns about radioactive contamination, long-term environmental impacts and the global use of uranium. Tailings from uranium mining are stored in large dams containing radioactive materials and heavy metals. Concerns remained that failures could threaten river systems flowing through Kakadu, including the South Alligator River.

The Campaign

The Wilderness Society participated in campaigns led by the Mirrar people and supported broader efforts to secure stronger protection for Kakadu. From 1984 onwards, major extensions to Kakadu National Park and the Kakadu World Heritage Area took place, eventually protecting more than 1.98 million hectares. One of the most significant battles centred on the proposed Coronation Hill mine during stage three of the park’s expansion. Mining company BHP proposed a mine at Coronation Hill, but in 1991 the Bob Hawke Government decided to ban mining there following major controversy. Another major conflict emerged over the proposed Jabiluka uranium mine, leading to a further campaign that extended internationally, including advocacy efforts in Paris. Throughout these campaigns, the Mirrar people led efforts to defend their Country and culture, supported by organisations including the Wilderness Society, the Australian Conservation Foundation, Friends of the Earth and the Northern Territory Environment Centre.

Yvonne Margarula and Mirrar Leadership

A central figure in the campaign was Yvonne Margarula, who worked to uphold her obligations to Country and community. In 1995, Yvonne Margarula established the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation to represent and advance the rights and interests of her people. Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, Margarula expressed deep regret that uranium from mines on Mirrar Country had been supplied to Japan, despite longstanding opposition from the Mirrar people to uranium mining and nuclear risks.

Legacy

The Kakadu campaigns became some of Australia’s most internationally recognised environmental and cultural protection struggles. They reinforced the importance of Traditional Owner leadership in defending Country and highlighted the global implications of uranium mining. Today, Kakadu remains one of Australia’s most significant protected landscapes and World Heritage areas.