The Australian Conservation Foundation has warmly welcomed the Northern Territory government's decision to declare a special reserve status over the Jabiluka area in Kakadu.
"This news is a tribute to many who have worked for years to end the threat posed by uranium mining in this very special place," said Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear free campaigner Dave Sweeney.
"Above all it is recognition of the sustained and unwavering efforts of the Mirarr Traditional Owners to protect their Country and culture from the impacts of uranium mining.
"On World Environment Day this is particularly sweet news and an important step towards a lasting resolution to this long running and major concern.
"While very welcome, today's development is not the final chapter in the Jabiluka uranium story and struggle.
"It is imperative now that the intent expressed in the special reserve declaration is matched in reality with no extension of the current Jabiluka Mining Lease.
"The era of plans for mining at Jabiluka is over. The Mirarr have always opposed mining, as have a wide range of civil society and community organisations and voices.
"ACF calls on the federal government to act swiftly to provide lasting protection to Kakadu and confidence and certainty to the Mirarr by not extending the Jabiluka Mineral Lease.
"We call on the federal government to commence a process with the Mirarr for the inclusion of this magnificent region into the surrounding Kakadu World Heritage area.
"First Nations communities have shown they do not want uranium mining - the fuel for nuclear energy - or nuclear waste on their Country. Nuclear is not right for Australia."
Majority shareholder Rio Tinto has accepted mining is not viable, with Chair Dominic Barton telling the company's AGM last month Rio 'supports the Mirarr people in their strong opposition to the development of Jabiluka and our focus is only on rehabilitation.'
The Jabiluka uranium deposit is surrounded by the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park on the lands of the Mirarr people.
The Mirarr led a successful campaign 25 years ago to stop uranium mining at Jabiluka.
