Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p46
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 134740–137667

involved cooperation between Bininj/Mungguy and Balanda, so historic sites often bring up strong feelings for Bininj/Mungguy about individuals and the past as they represent a way of life and use of country that has now gone.

Uranium mining has had a significant impact on Bininj/Mungguy within the Kakadu region. Activity was focused within the southern region of the park, with the last mining activity in the upper South Alligator Valley and the adjacent section of the Katherine River occurring in the 1950s. These mines ceased production in 1964. A proposal to develop the Ranger uranium deposit in 1975 resulted in the Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry (Fox et al. 1977) led by the Hon Russel Walter Fox AC QC. The final report provided a range of recommendations that led to granting of Aboriginal title and declaration of Stage 1 of Kakadu National Park. Uranium mining continues adjacent to the park in the northern region near Jabiru, providing some economic support to the area through employment opportunities and support for the retail and accommodation industry within Jabiru.

All of the industries carried out in the park have affected local Aboriginal people and have left a range of post-contact historic sites in the park, many of which are significant for both Bininj/Mungguy and Balanda. Several studies have been undertaken to document the significance of historic sites, and recommendations have been developed regarding future site management. The Australian International Council on Monuments and Sites Burra Charter for the conservation of heritage places forms the basis of the recommended approach for making decisions about heritage sites. Accordingly, cultural significance assessments and conservation plans have been prepared for some historic sites within the park.

   'We need to record and share more of the Bininj and Balanda stories about mining and the buffalo and croc hunting days.'

Traditional owner

In 2013, students from the Australian National University came to the park for a week-long intensive course: Physical Conservation of Buildings and Structures. This generated great interest in the park's historic sites and may result in collaborative conservation projects in the future. The value of oral histories in providing an insight into the interactions between people and different perspectives on key historic events and themes was also recognised.

One historic site within the park, Munmalary Homestead, is a declared heritage place under the Northern Territory Heritage Act 2011 and is listed on the Northern Territory Heritage Register.

Values and condition

Historic sites within the park:

    * represent the park's recent history, including early contact between Balanda and Bininj/Mungguy in the region

    * comprise intertwined stories of Bininj/Mungguy and Balanda as they came to live and work together, and some sites represent a way of life and use of