Koongarra protection passes parliament
Koongarra will now be protected as part of the Kakadu National Park following the passage of legislation by the Federal Government.
The Completion of the Kakadu National Park (Koongarra Protect Area Repeal) Bill 2013 was introduced before Parliament last month, and strictly forbids any uranium mining in the area.
Environment Minister, Tony Burke, said this final move completes a three year process by the Australian Government to protect the 1,288 hectare Koongarra area as part of Kakadu, at the request of key traditional owner Jeffrey Lee.
"Today we closed the book on uranium mining at Koongarra, fulfilling the longstanding wishes of traditional owner Jeffrey Lee and continuing Bob Hawke's proud legacy of protection for Kakadu," Mr Burke said.
Koongarra lies in the shadow of Nourlangie Rock, one of Kakadu's most popular visitor destinations, including extensive rock art galleries.