Save Lee Point protestors prepare to take action as land clearing pause lifts at Defence Housing Australia site
Save Lee Point protestors prepare for action as land clearing pause lifts for controversial 800-home development in Darwin’s Northern Suburbs.
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Battlelines are being prepared as a nine-month long land clearing pause lifts at the controversial Lee Point development site.
On Sunday, around 200 Save Lee Point protestors committed to fighting Defence Housing Australia’s 800-home development from going ahead, following a failed federal cultural heritage application.
Last month, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek rejected the emergency application, stating she was “not satisfied there is a significant Aboriginal area within the 132-hectare development area”.
It is understood the DHA agreement to pause land clearing plans lifted on Monday.
Save Lee Point organiser Chris Cox said despite the federal setback, the community group would continue to coordinate posters, letter-writing campaigns and calls to politicians, while warning the crowd to be ready at any moment to block fresh land clearing operations.
“There’s every chance the bulldozers will return,” she said.
“If you don’t want to see this place cleared, you may want to be here.”
Among the crowd on Sunday was Larrakia Danggalaba Traditional Owner Tibby Quall, who was part of the failed federal appeal.
Mr Quall said he was never given an opportunity to give evidence about the cultural significance of the site.
“(Ms Plibersek) hasn’t heard our heritage yet, all she’s doing is taking note of the opposition, the developers or defence,” Mr Quall said.
When asked how long he was prepared to fight for the site, Mr Quall said: “It’s our livelihood, so our lifetime”.
Environmental Justice Australia co-chief executive Nicola Rivers appealed for DHA to extend its land clearing pause until Ms Plibersek released the statement of reasons behind her decision.
DHA has repeatedly said it had a thorough consultation process with Traditional Owners, obtained all necessary approvals, consents, permits and other authorisations as required by law.
Supporters of the development have argued the 800-home plans would alleviate some of the housing supply stress in Darwin, with 75 per cent of the defence complex available for civilian buyers.
Protesters have committed to a series of events, letter-writing campaigns and calls to candidates in the coming weeks, with Federal Greens Senators Dorinda Cox and Sarah Hanson-Young expected to visit at 5pm Wednesday.
DHA has been contacted for further comment.
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