Darwin council’s motion to halt the development of Lee Point is cause for serious concern: Urban Development Institute

If Darwin council’s motion for a moratorium over the Lee Point development carries any weight, it would set a dangerous precedent … writes CATRIONA TATAM

DARWIN, more than ever, is a place where people pursue their dreams, develop their careers, bring up families, connect with others and build their homes.

As our city continues to grow and develop, more land is needed for urban development in order to sustain this growth. Areas that have been set aside for future development are gradually bought online to satisfy demand.

The overall planning process provides a legislative framework for these developments to ensure there are appropriate checks and balances – including public consultation.

Which is why it is frustrating to hear of the City of Darwin council passing a motion to write to the Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister, calling for the Northern Territory government to place a moratorium on the current development of Lee Point “until the Northern Territory Planning Commission has developed a comprehensive area plan for Lee Point that reflects the long-term wishes and needs of the community”.

Aside from the council motion incorrectly referencing the Minister’s portfolio as “Lands, Planning and Environment”, the motion itself is cause for serious concern.

The intended development of Lee Point has been made known to Darwin council and the public for many years. There has been significant public consultation over the years, from the inclusion of the area as “urban/peri urban” under the Darwin Regional Land Use Plan; the zoning of the land itself as “future development”; the introduction of the Lee Point Planning Principles and Area Plan into the NT Planning Scheme (yes, there is already an area plan over the site ...); the extensive environmental impact statement process; right through to the development consent issued for the actual masterplanned subdivision in 2018.

Lee Point stage one development has commenced despite community backlash. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Every single one of these stages/approvals requires some form of public consultation.

The council’s motion is well outside its role as a local authority and referral agency, and seeks to undermine the planning process to date.

The call for a halt to a project that has been rigorously assessed and is well underway, is seemingly an ill-informed political manoeuvre designed to appease some residents.

No one is arguing against the strategic conservation of flora and fauna, and the retention of areas of natural bushland. However, this needs to be carefully balanced against the unavoidable need for land for urban growth.

Statements from the Chief Minister that the development will be progressing are wholeheartedly supported by UDIA NT. We expect that the Planning Minister will also support the continuance of the project.

Should Darwin council’s motion for a moratorium carry any weight with the Territory government, it would set a dangerous precedent for any development in the NT.

Catriona Tatam is the chief executive of the Urban Development Institute of Australia NT

Originally published as Darwin council’s motion to halt the development of Lee Point is cause for serious concern: Urban Development Institute