NT Planning Minister Josh Burgoyne revokes heritage declaration for Noonamah WWII plane crash site
Just 24 hours after laying a wreath for Anzac Day commemorations, the NT Planning Minister publicly announced he would remove protections from historic WWII wreckage in an area slated for a 4000-home development.
The NT Government revoked heritage protections around an “astounding” WWII fatal plane crash wreckage on the ANZAC weekend, just days after a developer revealed their controversial plans for a 4000-home project.
The notice from the Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Josh Burgoyne was published in the NT News stating he had revoked the provisional declaration of a heritage place around the wreckage of a RAAF plane which crashed during a trial flight.
Pilot Sergeant Cornelis Antonius Hendrikus Keesmaat was just 39 years old when he was killed after the B-25 twin-engine medium bomber went down near Noonamah following a suspected on board fire on October 21, 1943.
While his crew were able to escape the crash, it is believed the Dutch squadron pilot was left without a parachute and he spent his final moments battling to land the plane safely.
A 2014 archaeological report said the wreck was of “intrinsic significance” to the Territory’s wartime history, a “ significant aviation archaeological resource” and “a tangible reminder of the Air War in North Australia”.
“The site is a testament to the sacrifices made by members of the RAAF in the defence of Darwin against Japanese aerial incursions during WWII,” it said.
The archaeologists said the condition of the plane was “astounding”, saying “it may ironically be the most ‘intact’ Mitchell N5-140” in the NT.
In 2019 its nomination to be placed on the heritage register was accepted, but last month its nomination was refused by the Minister.
Just 24 hours after laying a wreath at the Alice Springs Anzac Day commemorations, Mr Burgoyne publicly announced he would revoke the protections for the WWII crash site.
Mr Burgoyne said the decision was “based on a merit-based assessment that the wreck did not meet the high threshold for a heritage listing”.
It comes after Developer Intrapac Property recently announced its $5bn plan to build 4200 new homes under the Lloyd Creek Rural Village Area Plan — with the WWII crash site on the 2641ha development area.
Intrapac chief executive Maxwell Shifman promised that the historic crash site would be protected, even without formal heritage protections.
“Irrespective of the heritage registration, we intend to proceed per the NT EPA recommendation, and protect and document the aircraft site,” Mr Shifman said.
Mr Burgoyne said the decision to revoke the provisional heritage declaration was “made independent to the Lloyd Creek Rural Development which is currently undergoing the public exhibition process as required under the Planning Act”.
He said he had gone to the fatal crash site with the landowner and the Heritage Branch to see the wreck for himself.
“I have instructed the Heritage Branch to work in collaboration with the landowner to determine alternative ways to appropriately honour the story of B25 Mitchell N5-156,” Mr Burgoyne said.
“It is established practice in heritage management to conserve and interpret some sites that may not meet the threshold for heritage listing.”
It is the second time the developer has tried to establish the Noonamah Ridge project, with their plans knocked back following community concerns at amenity loss, proximity to existing developments, infrastructure shortfalls and concerns at depleting groundwater.
An NT Environment Protection Authority report for the previous plan recommended a 200m ‘protection zone’ around the site, and for the developer to undertake a full archival photographic record of the WWII aircraft wreck.
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Originally published as NT Planning Minister Josh Burgoyne revokes heritage declaration for Noonamah WWII plane crash site
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