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The tiny community of Jabiru in the Kakadu region is slowly dying and its dwindling population is beseeching Prime Minister Scott Morrison to save the city and its beloved park.
They asked the NT News to convey the message "Save Jabiru, save Kakadu."
They also asked us to let the Prime Minister know that Kakadu was the responsibility of his government and that the federal government should give it the same priority and attention as the Great Barrier Reef.
Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and worth millions for national tourism.
And while the federal government has devoted nearly half a billion dollars to safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef, the people of Jabiru are craving the same attention for Kakadu National Park.
Residents say that unless the federal government agrees to the proposed revision of Jabiru, worth $ 446 million, not only the city, but the park, will also be dedicated to tourism.
They point out that the total number of tourists in the park rose from nearly 300,000 a year in the late 1980s to around 185,000 today.
And the number of international tourists coming to Kakadu has dropped from nearly 150,000 a year to just 30,000 over the same period.
Jabiru has a population of just over 1,000 people. It had about 3,000 people a day.
For his part, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered encouraging words that give hope for federal support.
"I think that Jabiru has a bright and sustainable future and that the focus should be on indigenous development, tourism and eco-tourism," he said.
He also stated publicly that the federal government supports "sustainable management approaches that protect human life, communities and businesses."
The people of Kakadu now want these words backed up with federal funds.
Jabiru has always been home to Elizabeth Marabari.
"I love this city, the Prime Minister must protect our city," she said.
"Too many people leave.
"We need them to stay, we need our people to have jobs. We need more tourism, more visitors and more tourism. I do not know if the money will come or not. Many say it will not be.
"The changes we are talking about are good for all of us."
For the first time, drones were used to record images of Kakadu National Park, offering a bird's eye view and a new perspective of many breathtaking sites.
Kakadu like you've never seen it!
The changes Ms. Marabari was referring to are a master plan for revising Jabiru
It includes an expansion of Jabiru Lake offering year-round recreational activities, a five-star clubhouse and upscale glamping facilities, a new airport and a World Heritage Interpretive Center to showcase values natural and cultural park.
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The master plan is the vision of the traditional owners, the Mirarr people, who wants to reposition Jabiru from a mining town to the center of tourism and regional services.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner said his government was right behind the people of Jabiru and the proposed master plan.
"We are working with Mirarr to make Jabiru a mining town that has become a fully fledged regional tourism and service center for the western region of Arnhem," he said.
"A substantial financial contribution from the Commonwealth Government will be needed to reinvigorate Kakadu National Park, which is critical to Jabiru's bright future."
The popular Jabiru local sports club would be demolished to make room for a new entry point into the city.
For those attending the club, it will be sad, but the future of saving Jabiru is more important to them.
Enoch Nango is a regular in Mudginberri, located in Kakadu National Park, just under 10 km from Jabiru.
"It's pretty sad to see this club go, but tourism and sharing our culture is the way to go and these projects will help us all to bring people back," he said.
Originally published as Jabiru should not die
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