Koongarra is an area of native woodland of great environmental and cultural significance, now incorporated within the boundaries of Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is located within the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory of Australia, 171 kilometers southeast of the territorial capital, Darwin.

The Australian Government worked with Lee to secure UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Koongarra in 2011, and since then with the Northern Land Council to finalize the legal steps to make Koongarra part of Kakadu National Park.

“This Labor Government continues the legacy of previous Labor Governments of preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. It was Bob Hawke’s Government in the 1980s that protected Coronation Hill and recognised that this spectacular natural and spiritual environment is no place for mining,” 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,” said Burke. “We are proud to honour the wishes of the land’s traditional owners and to protect one of Australia’s most magnificent national parks for our children and grandchildren.”