Greetings,

This monthly newsletter (No. 67) includes:  Build at Berrimah, community events, government updates, quiz, plants-fungi-wildlife.

 

1.0 Build at Berrimah not Lee Point

 

Fig 1. Map of (4) disused Darwin defence sites (in blue)

Land swap – The sale of the Defence Establishment Berrimah (DEB) or Kowandi North site offers a unique opportunity to rectify the Lee Point housing problems.

Friends of Lee Point (FLP) have been talking to local MLAs about the benefit of using the DEB site instead of the Lee Point site for the defence housing project. Larrakia – Danggalabba traditional owners support the proposal, refer – Build at Berrimah not Lee Point.

Senate submissions – closed 17 April for the Senate Inquiry into the Management of Defence Estate Assets. FLP provided a submission. One of FLP’s recommendations was to use the DEB site instead of Lee Point site for the DHA housing project.

Protect Lee Point – now and for future generations to come – An open letter is to be sent to the NT Government. The aim is to run advertising in the NT News for a month. So far approx $8k has been raised. Please consider donating to: Protect Lee Point .

Will Federal Labor support Territory Labor on Lee Point?

Speak to or write to your local representatives;

• Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM MP: office@lukegosling.com.au
• Senator for NT, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy: McCarthy@aph.gov.au

 

2.0 Community events

Events have been running at Lee Point/Binybara and the ECNT space in Nightcliff. Check out FLP Facebook or Save Lee Point website for upcoming events.

 

Fig 2. People on a Wilderness Walk – Apr 2026

 

Fig 3. Rock painting at ECNT Space Nightcliff – 18 Apr 2026.

 

3.0 Government updates

NTCAT court hearing Tibby Quall vs NT Heritage Council – A court hearing date has yet to be set. Land clearing at Lee Point remains on hold until there is a court hearing to settle the matter – read more

 

Fig 4. Julie Fraser (on left), Chris, Gayle and Amanda – 12 Apr 2026

Councillor Julie Fraser delivered a petition signed by ~1200 people to City of Darwin in late March calling on council not to accept further subdivisions at Lee Point. The council staff did not accept the petition (for tabling) saying council did not have the power under the legislaton to act on the petition – FLP will be seeking further information.

 

4.0  Quiz

Lots of Chequered Swallowtails Butterflies (also called Lime Swallowtail) have been seen this month. How long do these butterflies live for? (Answer at the end).

 

Fig 5. Chequered Swallowtail Butterflies at Lee Point

 

5.0 Plants-fungi-wildlife

Images from Lee Point in April 2026

 

Fig 6. Gomphrena flower

Fungi – There are an estimated 250,000 species of fungi in Australia (includes undiscovered species – Wikipedia). Their fruit comes in many different forms; mushrooms, bracket, coral, jelly, cup, puff balls and more. Some fungi fruit even glow in the dark!

In Darwin, fungi typically fruit in the wet season but can fruit at other times.

Favourite food: Dead organic matter

 

Fig 7. Fungi fruit – Orange?

 

Fig 8. Fungi fruit – mushroom with gills

 

Fig 9. Bracket Fungi fruit

 

Fig 10. Coral Fungi fruit

 

Fig 11.  Mannikin Finches – Chestnut-breasted (left), Yellow-rumped (middle) – photo Tommy Holmgren 16 March 2026.

Favourite Food: Grass seeds

Yellow-rumped Mannikin Finches are rare.

 

Fig 12. Rose-crowned Fruit Dove

Favourite Food: Fruit

Rose-crowned Fruit Doves are common in the rainforest monsoon habitat; however, they can be hard to see.

 

Wilderness Walks

Wilderness Walks have been recording between 25-40 bird species, refer ebird for latest sightings. Please check Friends of Lee Point Facebook for walk times.

 

Fig 13. Golden Tree Snake on a Wilderness Walk – 5 Apr 2026

Favourite Food: Frogs (this snake may have just eaten one)

Golden Tree Snakes are harmless. These native snakes are common in Darwin and like all native snakes in the NT, protected.

 

 

Enjoy the last of the Wet Season

 

 

Answer to Quiz – Checkered Swallowtail males live for approx four days and females about one week.

 

Fig 14. Chequered Swallowtail Butterfly (Papillo demoleus) on Gomphrena flower at Lee Point – Apr 2026.

Favourite Food: Nectar

Checkered Swallowtails are the shortest-lived butterfly (in its adult stage) in the world.