Defence Housing Australia erects ‘No trespass’ signs at Lee Point
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Visitors to Darwin’s Lee Point could be slapped with $2200 fines after Defence Housing Australia erected ‘No Trespassing’ signs around the controversial precinct.
The move comes just weeks after the Commonwealth Government instructed DHA to undertake further studies on the environmental impacts of the proposed Stage Two residential development at Lee Point.
The Commonwealth order was made as DHA was preparing to begin clearing land earmarked for the second stage of the contentious Lee Point development.
The signs were installed late last week and restrict access to most of the development site.
The Commonwealth paused development on the project after Gouldian finch populations emerged at Lee Point earlier this year.
The trespass notice applies to walking and bike paths at Lee Point although pedestrian access has been retained to a dam which is a popular spot for bird-watching.
Defence Housing Authority said the signs were installed Thursday in response to illegal rubbish dumping at Lee Point and only apply to the development zone and not public access areas.
A spokesperson said they are meant to “ensure the safety of the local community” as the site contains illegally dupmed rubbish and unremidated contamination as well as to prevent further illegal rubbish dumping at the site.
Lee Point user and opponent of the proposed development Louise Woodward questioned DHA’s approach.
“The bird-watchers, bike riders and community members that use this area are now risking prosecution for trespassing,” Dr Woodward said.
“DHA is taking away the rights of Darwin people to enjoy the Lee Point area to enjoy the beautiful landscape and environment.
“This is a very aggressive move by DHA and we are confused as to why they are doing it. What do they have to hide?”
She said the trespass zoning could prevent so-called citizen scientists from collating data on bird numbers and other wildlife as part of the review called for by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek into the Lee Point development.
Project opponent Graeme Sawyer said the trespass ban was “a slap in the face”.
“It’s incredibly disappointing,” he said.
“It seems defence wants to completely ignore the community.
“Defence says it wants to integrate into the community then they do something like this.”
Meanwhile, the commonwealth said DHA is doing more surveys about the impact of the proposed Stage Two development.
“DHA is working with the department and is undertaking additional surveys of the development area for Gouldian finch habitat,” a spokesperson said.
“The surveys will give a better understanding of how the development area is being used by the finch and the importance of this area to the species.
“The department will use these survey outcomes and other relevant information, including that provided by community members, to assess what the presence of Gouldian finch at Lee Point means for the project. In the interim, the department has asked DHA to suspend clearing in the development area.”
The NT News has contacted DHA for comment.
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Originally published as Defence Housing Australia erects ‘No trespass’ signs at Lee Point
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