Friends of Lee Point and other community groups have been extremely frustrated by the lack of available information on the public benefit of having defence and community housing located at Lee Point. A letter, involving seven groups has been sent to the Minister for Defence advising a report is being prepared on 3 Darwin sites – more on the report below.
Fig 1. Location of defence bases in relation to; Darwin CBD, Palmerston CBD, Northcrest, Holtze, Lee Point, main water source, power station, and key roads.
Overview of report – Preliminary evaluation of Lee Point, Berrimah (Northcrest) and Holtze and sites in Darwin for defence and community housing
Background
Australia (and Darwin) is suffering from a lack of affordable houses/dwellings and an ongoing decline in wildlife. They are commonly referred to as a housing affordability crisis and an extinction crisis.
Government can locate infrastructure to alleviate or avoid further problems related to these crises. This is particularly relevant for Darwin, where the Australian Government funds or underwrites many significant infrastructure/housing projects and is a major land owner. The Lee Point defence and community housing project is one such project.
To date, the Lee Point housing project has not delivered any affordable housing and is threatening endangered wildlife prompting community to ask what other sites were considered. No report is available.
Objective
A preliminary evaluation report for the Australian Government on 3 Darwin sites; Lee Point, Berrimah (Northcrest) and Holtze for defence and community housing based on long-term public benefit.
Scope
The scope of this report is to evaluate three Darwin sites, Lee Point, Berrimah (Northcrest) and Holtze plus a brief discussion of other options.
Information: Area Plans, websites, site visits, meetings.
Timing: Draft Report – end of June, Final Report – July/August 2025
Resources: volunteer
Stakeholders: ECNT, Larrakia Danggalaba Traditional Owners, Birdlife Top End, NT Field Naturalists, PLan – Planning Action Network, Biodiversity Watch, Friends of Lee Point (lead group). May add other groups.
Contact: Ian Redmond, friendsofleepoint@gmail.com 0427 796 470