This week marks 20 years since the establishment of the blockade camp at Jabiluka in Kakadu National Park. The Mirarr people, led by senior traditional owner Yvonne Margarula, called on activists from around the country to join them on their land to protest against the construction of a uranium mine by Energy Resources of Australia. In one of Ausralia's largest environmental protests, more than 5000 people participated in the blockade over eight months, during which 530 people, including Margarula were arrested. But they won when the Mirarr people were given the right to veto mining at Jabiluka. "It's finished business," Margarula was reported as saying, "The country is at peace and I am very happy."

Image: Megan Kinninment

Published: 8 April 2018