ABC: Kakadu uranium protest documentary Dirt Cheap unearthed by NT Library

Exceprt from ABC, read full online story here.

Mirarr resistance inspires protests around nation

Against the push of government and business interests, the Mirarr stood resolute in their bid to protect their land.

"As a child growing up I saw the struggle of my family, including my grandfather — they [had] been struggling," traditional owner Jimmy Nabanardi-Mudjandi said.

"I'm really proud of them, but it's sad because they're not here to see what the new future of Jabiru's gonna be."

The resistance from the Mirarr had a flow-on effect around the nation.

Banner-waving protesters took to the streets in Melbourne and Sydney in great numbers, scenes which Dirt Cheap captures in vivid detail.

"Mirarr people got major support from around Australia, from around the whole nation," Mr Nabanardi-Mudjandi said.

"There's been lots of support all through the years, and they still support us now."

Next stage of uranium mining looms

In the decades since the film's release, uranium has been mined at Kakadu, but the Ranger mine is now expected to wind up in 2021.

Mr Nabanardi-Mudjandi said it was vital the land was protected during its rehabilitation.

"We are watching them, what they're doing," he said.