First Nations self-determination driving Northern Development is the primary focus for Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation Jabiru Town (GACJT) in delivering on the transition of Jabiru from a mining town to a “a world leading ecologically sustainable, economically and socially vibrant community where traditional Aboriginal culture, all people and the natural environment flourishes”.

Following years of complex negotiations, GACJT holds the responsibility as the township entity, and does so under a s19A lease under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act. Since the formalisation of the land tenure and the signing of the headlease in June 2021, decision-making for land use-decisions rests with the Mirarr traditional owners and operated through GACJT.

GACJT’s key role is to implement the Mirarr traditional owners’ vision for the Jabiru Township set out in the Jabiru masterplan. All revenue received from sub-lease/licences issued by GACJT is used for the social and economic development on the Mirarr estate.

Since the signing of the head lease, numerous outcomes have already been achieved. These include ensuring commitments to rectifying infrastructure in the town are met, the issuing of approvals by GACJT for over 90% of available sub-leases in the Jabiru township, including key long-term commercial/tourism sub-leases, the completion of a new Health Centre for Jabiru and the finalisation of designs for the Bininj Resource Centre.

Additional sub-divisions in Jabiru are also being completed to meet the demands of businesses who wish to reside and operate in Jabiru across numerous projects, including upgrading infrastructure to enable Jabiru to operate as a hub for both tourism and regional services which are critical for the long-term future for the Mirarr, residents, commercial businesses, government services and tourists alike.

GACJT continues to work, and negotiate partnerships with, all levels of government, commercial businesses, and potential investors in delivering the Mirarr’s vision in Jabiru.