Larrakia Nation withdraws support for DHA’s Lee Point

The future of a massive housing project is in doubt after a former supporter announced a stunning change of mind.

Sixteen years after Defence Housing Australia began discussions with the Northern Territory Heritage Branch and two years after agreeing to a residential development at Lee Point, Traditional Owner organisation Larrakia Nation has withdrawn its support.

Larrakia Nation late on Friday released a statement it had withdrawn its earlier position to support Defence Housing Authority’s residential project.

It cited the involvement of prominent elders Lorraine Williams, Tibby Quall and Eric Fejo in forcing the belated change of heart because they say “significant areas of cultural heritage” are located on the site.

A protester’s eye view from inside a police van.

The statement said the original agreement was done “under the impression” appropriate consultation had occurred during the 2014-18 feasibility stage combined with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority certificate.

“We reserve the right to withdraw support for any project on our lands, should our members and families raise legitimate claims,” the statement said.

“Therefore while there are sites of cultural significance at Lee Point, the two sacred sites concerning Larrakia Nation are removed from the development.”

Old Man Rock is about 4.5km from the development site and the other at Lee Point on Casuarina coastal reserve is about 1km from the development site.

Details of the nature of the sacred site claim have not been made public.

Protests at Lee Point July 2023

Defence Housing Authority wants to build 800 new homes across 131ha of zoned residential land at East Point.

Signed-off on by the federal government in 2015, campaigns against the Lee Point project were energised last year when the colourful Gouldian finch arrived in the area.

A statement released by Defence Housing Australia last week said it remained committed to working with Larrakia Nation on Lee Point, and the project would provide much needed housing for Defence families and the broader Darwin community.

A Territory Families, Housing and Communities statement said the development was a federal government initiative with oversight from the NT Environmental Protection Authority.

Police were called to protests at Lee Point earlier this month.

“Defence Housing Australia began discussions with the Northern Territory Heritage Branch in 2006,” the statement said.

“Consistent advice provided by NT Heritage over many years has been that archaeological surveys, with a review of past survey work and site monitoring, was essential.

“In 2016, the Heritage Branch provided advice to the NTEPA about the steps Defence Housing Australia needed to take to comply with the Heritage Act 2011.

“In the context of development, the role of the Heritage Branch is to provide advice about a proponent’s obligations under the Act, including recommended steps to manage the impact of proposed work.

“The Heritage Branch was comfortable with Defence Housing Australia’s commitments to manage any potential cultural heritage issues on the site, in the context of the Heritage Act, and is currently following up with Defence Housing Australia to ensure advice has been followed.

“Consultation with relevant stakeholders including Traditional Owners is the responsibility of Defence Housing Australia as proponent of the project.”

Originally published as Larrakia Nation withdraws support for DHA’s Lee Point