Northern Land Council: permit suspension ends at 1pm today

The temporary permit suspension was initiated due to serious concerns expressed by traditional owners of Aboriginal land following the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River will also be reopened from 1pm today.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said that: “Protecting our communities remains the key priority for the NLC and we expect people to respect the wishes of people on communities at this time. When permit holders enter Aboriginal Land they should take all sensible measures to keep themselves and the community safe.

“If you’re a tourist planning to go on to Aboriginal Land you should check if your tour company is operating lawfully with a Section 19 agreement under the Land Rights Act and that they have a COVID-19 Safety Plan,” said Ms Scrymgour.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi urged visitors to avoid travelling to Aboriginal Land unless necessary. 

“If you don’t need to travel to Aboriginal Land then don’t. Think twice before you travel and especially if you are feeling unwell, do not travel to Aboriginal Land. For all our families on communities and homelands the message is still the same: ‘Stay Safe, Stay on Country and Look after Family’.