Government funding cut for Planning Action Network

Government funding has been scrapped from a 30-year-old Northern Territory volunteer community group often outspoken about government and council legislation relating to infrastructure developments. Find out how you can support them.

Government funding has been scrapped from a 30-year-old Northern Territory volunteer community group.

Government funding has been scrapped from the Northern Territory’s Planning Action Network (PLan), a 30-year-old volunteer community group often outspoken about government and council legislation relating to infrastructure developments.

For nearly three decades, PLan’s operational costs — rent, utilities and insurance — have been supported by the NT government of the day, regardless of the party.

But after years of support, funds are now being withdrawn, according to a letter sent to the organisation by the Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Josh Burgoyne on February 26.

In the letter, Mr Burgoyne said he thought the existing provisions in the Planning Act 1999 were already strong enough and ensured appropriate consultation and input were included in planning schemes.

Minister for Planning, Lands, and Environment Josh Burgoyne in Alice Springs. Picture: Gera Kazakov

He then cited budget limitations and the government’s focus on rebuilding the economy, before rejecting the organisations request for an operational grant of $25,000 and wishing it success in the future.

PLan convener Nick Kirlew said defunding the group, which was founded in 1995, would be a “huge” loss for the Territory.

“The planning department needs to understand what the community thinks about certain projects, and we’re here to represent those views; without funding, we can’t continue service the community,” he said.

“It could mean less input into planning decisions, leading to developments that don’t serve the people.

“If anyone wants to help, now is the time.”

Mr Kirlew said now was the time to help.

Mr Kirlew said the group was a key voice in the Territory.

“If you’ve ever had any concerns about planning decisions in your area or feel like you haven’t been able to have your voice heard, now is the time to support organisations like ours,” he said.

“The loosening of planning legislation could mean suburbs start resembling industrial zones in the wrong places, and the community won’t have a say if we don’t fight for their interests.

“Without community representation, things can slip through the cracks.”

To support the organisation, visit its GoFundMe, which has so far raised about $1,000, here: https://gofund.me/ad5916c0