Rich-in-culture traditional owner turns down millions
Koori Mail
A TRADITIONAL owner of 12,000 hectares of land has passed up the potential to earn millions in mining royalties because he wants the land incorporated into Kakadu National Park.
Jeffrey Lee. 39, the senior custodian of the land known as Koongarra, could have become a very rich man if he had allowed French energy company Areva to activate its mineral lease to extract tonnes of uranium from the site Instead, Mr Lee approached the Federal Government with an offer to incorporate the land into the park
"When you dig 'em hole in that country, you're killing me." he told reporters in Darwin on 10 August
"Money don't mean nothing to me. Country is very important to me."
Mr Lee, who works as a ranger in the Kakadu National Park, said the extension of the park would bring more visitors to the area and create further employment for Aboriginal people.
"Traditional owners will be doing stuff on country," he said, adding that it was important to preserve land for future generations so non-Indigenous Australians could learn about Aboriginal culture.
Mr Lee represents the Djok people, and neighbouring clans, who have worked for years to prevent mining in the area.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett made a pre-election announcement that a returned Labor Government would honour Mr Lee's wishes
The Coalition gave the same commitment the following day.
"The decision means that this unique land, so important to its traditional owners, will be protected forever," Mr Garrett said
This stunning woodland area lies in the shadow of Nourlangie Rock. one of Kakadu's most popular visitor destinations, due to its ancient rock art galleries, first settlement paintings and sacred burial sites.
Mr Garrett said the decision followed extensive consultation by the Northern Land Council (NLC) and with traditional owners.
Earlier this year, the NLC had formally advised the Federal Government that Mr Lee opposed mining in the long term and wanted the threat of it brought to an end by incorporation of the land into Kakadu.
The land council welcomed the announcement, saying the Djok clan had consistently stated their opposition to mining on Koongarra.
"I would like to acknowledge Mr Lee for his continuous advocacy for his people," said NLC Chief Executive Kim Hill
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) said the decision transcended politics.
ACF executive director Don Henry said expert bodies including the Fox Commission in the 1970s and a UNESCO mission in the 1990s had recommended there be no uranium mining at Koongarra.
The Federal Coalition gave in-principle support to UNESCO's call for protection in 1999
Federal Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt reiterated that support on 11 August.
Mr Hunt said an Abbott Government would not grant permission for uranium mining at Koongarra.
'We would be happy to accept the offer, we think it's a very generous offer." Mr Hunt said "Our view has been that Koongarra would not be mined We would not have allowed it to be mined It's effectively treated as if it were part of the park in almost all respects, but to have it formally incorporated would be a valuable step forward."