The Federal Government has introduced a Bill before Parliament that will repeal the Koongarra Project Act – which allows uranium mining at Koongarra – and incorporate the region into the Kakadu National Park.

Traditional owner and long time campaigner, Jeffery Lee, sat in the House of Representatives to watch as the Federal Government moved to protect his ancestral lands.

"The Koongarra lands are not only of enormous significance to Jeffrey Lee and to other traditional owners – but international and Australian visitors would be horrified if mining were to occur within sight of Kakadu's magnificent rock art galleries and stunning bush walks at Nourlangie Rock,” Mr Burke said.

"The decision of Jeffrey Lee means that finally the progress made by the Hawke Government is concluded and Kakadu national park will be complete."

I'm pleased to announce that the Koongarra area has now been added to the park lease and will soon be formally proclaimed part of Kakadu National Park.

"Koongarra will then have the full protection of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 and as part of Kakadu, mining will be prohibited forever.