Greetings,
This monthly newsletter (No. 69) includes: community events, Build at Berrimah, Senate inquiry, quiz, plants-fungi-wildlife.
1.0 Community events
Chan Ward By-election – Meet the candidates 5.30pm Wed 20 May
Fig 1. Flyer for event
If you are voting in the Chan By-election, ask your candidates if elected will they support:
- A moratorium on the Lee Point housing project and a new Area Plan for Lee Point by the (independent) NT Planning Commission.
- A Senate inquiry into the DHA housing project at Lee Point.
Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival – Sat 9 May 2026
Fig 2. PLan/FLP stall at Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival
Fig 3. FLP art activities at Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival
Community 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.
2.0 Save Lee Point – Build at Berrimah
Fig 4. Location map
Land swap – The sale of the Defence Establishment Berrimah (DEB) or Kowandi North site (near Holtze) offers a unique opportunity to rectify the problems with the Lee Point housing project. Larrakia – Danggalabba traditional owners support in principle the land swap proposal, refer Build at Berrimah not Lee Point.
FLP are continuing discussions with politicians on the land swap proposal.
3.0 Senate Inquiry and protecting Lee Point
Senate Inquiry – City of Darwin has sent a letter to Federal Ministers requesting a Senate inquiry into the Lee Point housing project …read more.
Sign the SENATE PETITION to help make this happen.
The time for Labor to act is now – Territory Labor recently supported a moratorium and a new Area Plan for Lee Point by the NT Planning Commission. Send a Letter to Ed Smelt MLA.
Protect Lee Point – now and for future generations to come – An open letter from 14 groups is to be sent to the NT Government refer Protect Lee Point.
Environmental law – Comment on Australia’s new environmental laws – the National Environmental Standard for Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) – Submissions close 29 May 2026. EJA has a submission guide.
4.0 Quiz
Fig 5. Amphibian
Which living group is the most threatened in the world?
- Orchids
- Cycads
- Reef forming corals
- Amphibians
- Mammals
Answer at the end.
5.0 Plants-fungi-wildlife
Images from Lee Point May 2026.
Fig 6. Darwin Woollybutt (Eucalyptus miniata)
Fig 7. Grevillea dryandra
Fig 8. Wetland
Waterlogged areas (like this) are poor in nutrients.
Fig 9. Sundew (Drosera spp) with captured insects on right.
Favourite food: Insects
Sundews out compete other plants in poor nutrient soils. They use their glistening nectar-tipped, sticky tentacles to capture and digest insects for nutrients.
Sundew flowers are located away from the tentacles to avoid capturing pollinators.
Fig 10. Fruit from fungi (with gills).
Favourite food: Dead organic matter
Fig 11. Tropical Paper Wasp
Favourite food: Nectar
Fig 12. Lemon-bellied Flyrobin
Favourite food: Insects
Fig 13. Sulpher-crested Cockatoos checking out a tree hollow
Favourite food: Seeds
Wilderness Walks
Wilderness Walks have been recording between 20-40 bird species, refer ebird for latest sightings. Please check Friends of Lee Point Facebook for walk times.
Enjoy the dry season
Answers to Quiz
Cycads
There are approx. 300 species of cycads in the world and based on the recent IUCN list ~70% are threatened. These slow-growing ancient plants are under threat from habitat destruction and illegal poaching.
Fig 14. Cycas armstrongii (female) at Lee Point – Big Tree Block.
Cycad armstrongii is threatened and classed as vulnerable.
This cycad is endemic to the NT (exists north of Pine Creek) and deciduous in the dry season. While locally abundant less than 1% of these cycads are located within conservation reserves.