MLA Brent Potter to fight Darwin council’s Bundilla Beach RV park trial

Fannie Bay locals along with their MLA are fighting a council proposal to run an RV park in their patch this dry season. Read why they’re concerned.

Fannie Bay residents have rallied together against the proposed RV park trial on Bundilla Beach. Picture: Lyn Lowe

Fannie Bay residents galvanised by their local MLA are fighting a proposed RV park in their leafy beachside suburb.

It comes after the Darwin city council announced it was considering a trial of the park this dry season, opening a survey to gather feedback on the idea.

Fannie Bay MLA Brent Potter has garnered more than 177 signatures to a petition opposing the move, with more to be counted.

He said he was shocked to see council float the proposal “with no consultation”.

“It was a bit of shock to read about it in the newspaper,” he said.

“No one gave me a call and said ‘hey, this is what’s coming’ as I would do to them with any announcements.”

More than 170 Fannie Bay residents have signed a petition against the proposal, some of which gathered at a public meeting in the area. Picture: Lyn Lowe

More than half of respondents in an NT News survey said they supported the RV park trial.

Mr Potter said while some outside the electorate would be in favour, the most important views were those of locals.

He also said the park would fly in the face of a $3m activation of the area, which Mr Potter pledged to do in the lead-up to his by-election win last August.

That project, which was included in the 2023 budget, involves a half-basketball court, four food truck sites and improved lighting and irrigation.

Fannie Bay MLA Brent Potter has collected more than 170 petition signatures against the RV park proposal, which he will submit to the City of Darwin. Picture: Monique Van Der Heyden

“There was a 2016 consultation report done by council in relation to Vesteys Beach and the overwhelming and resounding response to that was that they didn’t want any type of commercial development at Vesteys (Bundilla) Beach,” he said.

“Specifically they said they didn’t want RV or caravan parks put in.

“64 per cent of respondents said they wanted natural activities including walking trails, playgrounds and 69 per cent said minor facility upgrades like improve the car park, picnic areas, existing facilities and lighting.”

Some Fannie Bay residents have concerns the RV park would leave no room for people to park at and access the beach. Picture: Lyn Lowe

Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis said the RV park, which would run temporarily over the area’s bitumen carpark, would not impact Mr Potter’s vision for the area.

“That’s just a distraction – it’s smoke and mirrors,” he said.

“We’re trying to do something to address social problems in the area, and also bring people to the city.”

“But if people don’t want it there that’s fine – we’ll go back to the drawing board and find another area.”

City of Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis said council would listen to community feedback on the RV park proposal. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Vatskalis said more than 600 people had filled out the council survey on the proposal.

A report will now be prepared for councillors to consider at an upcoming meeting.

Mr Vatskalis also said council would soon open another community consultation process about a wider Bundilla Beach masterplan, which included a dog park and the government’s $3m pledge.

“Hearing the views of the Darwin community is a crucial part of council’s decision making, so we will be seeking feedback through the master planning process,” he said.

“Bundilla Beach is a firm favourite not only with locals but also has the potential to become an iconic tourist attraction.”