NTPlanned settlement
Jabiru
A uranium company town is planning life after mining.
1982Purpose-built town established · Ranger mine services
WHAT STARTED IT
Uranium discoveries in Kakadu created the Ranger project and a need for a permanent service town. Jabiru was planned inside the national park for mine workers, government services and regional businesses.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The town plan was approved in 1981 and Jabiru was established at its present site in 1982. Ranger began production in 1981 and ended mining in January 2021, leaving rehabilitation and a negotiated transition to a tourism and regional-services hub.
TURNING POINTS
1970Uranium discoveries lead to the Ranger project.
1982Jabiru established at its present site.
2021Ranger uranium mining ends.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
Kakadu’s main service town, providing shops, school, health, accommodation and park access while major investment reshapes its post-mining future.