Latest news with #GunlomAboriginalLandTrust
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Major development after Aboriginal group shut down spectacular swimming spot for SIX years
A spectacular swimming hole in the Northern Territory will reopen after the traditional owners closed it off from the public for six years. The famous Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park was closed after Parks Australia built a walkway up to a scenic view. Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) launched legal action claiming the work was done near a sacred site without their permission. Under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act, all construction work must be agreed to and signed off by the AAPA. The dispute went to court with the federally run Parks Australia fined $200,000 and issuing an apology. However, traditional owners from the Gunlom Aboriginal Land Trust have given the green light for Parks Australia to reopen the falls to the public. It comes as Northern Land Council has negotiated a new lease agreement with the federal government for Kakadu National Park, with increased rent of $10.7 million per year. Parks is now conducting final safety checks ahead of a planned reopening for the falls in late May. After the rainy season from November to April, the site has a roaring waterfall cascading down 85-metre cliffs to an emerald billabong. The falls also offer stunning views across the south of Kakadu National Park. The billabong will be open for swimming during the dry season from May to October. There is a public campground near the base of the falls, complete with showers and toilets, while the nearest accommodation is Cooinda Lodge, about an hour away by 4WD. The falls, previously known as UDP falls after the Uranium Developing and Prospecting Company, have long attracted tourists to the Northern Territory. In 1986 the site appeared in the movie Crocodile Dundee.
The Age
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
After six difficult years, spectacular Aussie swimming spot to reopen
It's a top time to be in the Top End. One of Kakadu's most popular natural attractions, Gunlom Falls, is set to reopen, just as soon as the conditions are right. This concludes a difficult six years during which the Traditional Owners closed the falls to visitors due to the disturbance of a sacred men's site by Parks Australia while building a walkway. The parties ended up in court, with the end result being a $200,000 fine for Parks Australia, the largest penalty ever under the Northern Territory's Sacred Sites Act. But now, Traditional Owners from the Gunlom Aboriginal Land Trust have given approval for Parks Australia to reopen Gunlom. There's been a lag between that happening and the actual opening while Parks Australia ensures the safety of the site, particularly as water levels remain high following late seasonal rain. Meanwhile, roadworks, crocodile surveys and general maintenance of campgrounds, walking tracks and amenities have been underway. Parks is working towards Gunlom opening in late May following final safety checks. Traditional Owners will be given greater say about their Country in Kakadu under a new, first of its kind partnership agreement between the Northern Land Council and the Australian government. Under the new agreement, Kakadu's Traditional Owners will be better supported to live and work on Country and will contribute to their own economic development fund. This will support projects such as housing and infrastructure improvements as well as business and employment opportunities.
Sydney Morning Herald
18-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
After six difficult years, spectacular Aussie swimming spot to reopen
It's a top time to be in the Top End. One of Kakadu's most popular natural attractions, Gunlom Falls, is set to reopen, just as soon as the conditions are right. This concludes a difficult six years during which the Traditional Owners closed the falls to visitors due to the disturbance of a sacred men's site by Parks Australia while building a walkway. The parties ended up in court, with the end result being a $200,000 fine for Parks Australia, the largest penalty ever under the Northern Territory's Sacred Sites Act. But now, Traditional Owners from the Gunlom Aboriginal Land Trust have given approval for Parks Australia to reopen Gunlom. There's been a lag between that happening and the actual opening while Parks Australia ensures the safety of the site, particularly as water levels remain high following late seasonal rain. Meanwhile, roadworks, crocodile surveys and general maintenance of campgrounds, walking tracks and amenities have been underway. Parks is working towards Gunlom opening in late May following final safety checks. Traditional Owners will be given greater say about their Country in Kakadu under a new, first of its kind partnership agreement between the Northern Land Council and the Australian government. Under the new agreement, Kakadu's Traditional Owners will be better supported to live and work on Country and will contribute to their own economic development fund. This will support projects such as housing and infrastructure improvements as well as business and employment opportunities.
