Kakadu National Park is in the Northern Territory (see map below) and covers around 20,000km. It is home to Aboriginal people including the Mirrar whose ancestors have lived on the land for thousands of years. Hundreds of species of mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians live in the swamps, rivers, forests and rocky hills. One-third of Australia's birds live in Kakadu, including jabiru storks, magpie geese and brolgas. Kakadu has been home to Aboriginal people for over 50,000 years. Aboriginal rock art and sacred sites can be found around the park. Kakadu is also a World Heritage Area because of it's cultural and natural values. This means that it's wildlife and Aboriginal history are important to people around the world. Over 300,000 people visit Kakadu every year from Australia and overseas.

In some areas of Kakadu, uranium has been found deep underground. Uranium is a dangerous mineral which is used to make electricity and nuclear bombs. Uranium can give people cancer, kill animals and pollute soil and water. It is safe while it stays in the ground. Energy Resources of Australia and North Limited are two companies who want to dig up and mine the uranium at Jabiluka. Jabiluka is a small area within Kakadu National Park.

People from around Australia and the world are saying no to uranium mining. Jabiluka's uranium will pollute waters around the park and the animals and people living in Kakadu could become sick or die.

My name is Kakadu Croc and I want to stop Jabiluka. I live in one of the Kakadu swamps. I am very worried about what will happen if the Jabiluka mine is built near my home. In this activity book I will introduce you to my friends and my special home.

Glossary

Copyright © 1999 Michele Matthews and Mark Bernsons