Greetings,
This monthly newsletter (No. 70) includes: Chan Ward by-election, Build at Berrimah, Senate inquiry, quiz, plants-fungi-wildlife.
1.0 Chan Ward By-election
Fig 1. Audience listening to Chan Ward candidates at Sunset Park
On Wed 20 May, FLP organised a “Meet the Candidates” forum for the Chan Ward by-election. Manik GOWDA, Nick KIRLEW and Shiva PANCHALINGAM attended and explained why we should vote for them…read more
Where the Chan Ward candidates stand on Lee Point – The (8) candidates were asked these two questions, if elected would they support:
Q1. A moratorium on the current DHA housing development at Lee Point until the NT Planning Commission has completed a comprehensive Area Plan for the whole of Lee Point.
Q2. A Senate inquiry into the Defence Housing Australia (DHA) Lee Point project.
Their responses were:
Fig 2. Survey of (8) Chan Ward candidates.
For candidates comments …read more.
2.0 Save Lee Point – Build at Berrimah
Problems with the Lee Point housing project include:
- Most Darwin residents do not support the current project at Lee Point
- endangered species habitat is being cleared in Darwins last wildlife corridor, and
- expensive lots with no affordable housing
Fig 3. 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.
Many community groups and the Larrakia – Danggalabba traditional owners support the land swap proposal, refer Build at Berrimah not Lee Point. FLP and other groups are continuing discussions with elected representatives 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.
4.0 Quiz
What is the heaviest bird found at Lee Point beach? Answer at the end.
5.0 Plants-fungi-wildlife
Images from Lee Point May 2026.
Fig 4. Ball Wattle (Acacia latescens)
Fig 5 Red-flowering Kurrajong
Fig 6. Fruit from fungi (with spines).
Favourite food: Dead organic matter
Fig 7. Blue Argus Butterfly
Favourite food: Nectar
Fig 8 Striated Pardalote
Favourite food: Insects
Fig 9 Bar-breasted Honeyeater with nesting material
Favourite food: Nectar and invertebrates
Gamba Grass
Fig 10. Gamba Grass trimmed at Lee Point dam by volunteers – May 2026
Gamba Grass is destroying habitat at Lee Point. Volunteers have made a start but can only do so much. Landowners need to have a serious crack at controlling/eradicating it.
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.
Fig 11. Red-winged Parrots on a Wilderness Walk – May 2026
Favourite food: Seeds
Red-winged Parrots have been visiting the Lee Point Dam area.
Enjoy the dry season
Answers to Quiz
Australian Pelican
Fig 12. Australian Pelican at Lee Point beach – Aug 2025
Weighing up to 13kg and significantly heavier than the Black-necked Stork (up to 5kg), the Australian Pelican is the heaviest bird on Lee Point beach.
On the list of the worlds heaviest flying birds, the Australian Pelican ranks around 7th.