Environment Minister Peter Garrett has promised that land with uranium reserves reportedly worth billions of dollars will become part of Kakadu National Park if Labor is re-elected.

The French energy giant AREVA had hoped to mine uranium from the land known as Koongarra near the rock art site Nourlangie Rock.

Mr Garrett says a Labor Government would incorporate the land into Kakadu to protect it from mining, in line with the wishes of the traditional owner, Jeffrey Lee.

"If we're re-elected we will see the addition of over 1,200 hectares a part of Kakadu," he said.

Mr Lee said he was happy with his decision to protect the area from uranium mining despite the financial incentive.

"Some people want money, some people want land," he said.

He added: "It's been a real battle for me.

"Now that I've grown up and learned a lot and now we are getting somewhere, I am really proud and good and happy today.

"It's a hard decision.

"You are the only one in your clan group that is left and the pressure is on you.

"You've got a lot of responsibilities of that area, of that country, that's been passed on to you."

Northern Land Council chief executive Kim Hill welcomed the move.

"The Koongarra area is one of the most sensitive areas of Kakadu," he said.

"Contained within are the Woolwonga wetlands which are listed in the Ramsar Convention."

"The expansion of the park brings greater recognition of its importance as a World Heritage site."