RISKY BUSINESS: WETLANDS VENTURE
IT was a unanimous decision from the Arirrki Aboriginal Corporation board to overhaul the dilapidated Window on the Wetlands, but the decision is not without risk. The government released the prime real estate – victim of a waning tourism economy – in January before seeking expressions of interest from public stakeholders just four months later.
Last year, a department spokesperson said the space was used more as a “Kakadu toilet stop” than for its intended purpose, and therefore the decision to close was the right move.
However, the closure of the site appeared to polarise Territorians and the NT Opposition Deputy Leader Gerard Maley said it was a “mistake”.
He said it was a blow to tourism operators and locals alike, particularly in a year when NT tourism needed to be boosted not gutted.
The space, perched above wetlands offering 270 degree views, will need serious redesigning to become a hive of activity, but the AAC has hope.
More importantly, they have a plan. For the Groote Eylandt-based Aboriginal Corporation the expansion of their successful Spectacular Crocodile Jumping Tours into the building they shared a site with was an easy decision.
Under the care of AAC, the new visitors’ centre project promises to be more than just a spot to take a pretty photo; something the Territory already has in bucket loads. Instead it will combine culture, education and nature to provide tourists with an understanding of how the wetlands are a unique microclimate.
AAC hope to build a theatre that can play myriad digitised Dreaming stories among other educational videos, while interactive signs will be collaborations with Lalara Elders. Not unlike Dreaming, the business model is cyclical, drawing from Aboriginal knowledge, sharing it through modern technology and educating tourists about more than just the seen world, all the while providing opportunities for Lalara people. In addition, a series of new animal enclosures will be added to the site, bringing a truly up-close and personal experience to the wildlife that calls the wetlands home.
It is an ambitious proposal and the time frame may be the most ambitious of all. Due to open in Easter 2022, the renovations are only one part of a moving beast. Content, collaboration and, of course, a full branding revamp will be in order. Now it’s up to Territorians and tourists alike to visit.