DHA Offset for Muirhead North clearing

/ Friends of Lee Point / By

Please oppose this Lee Point land grab

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is applying for 39 hectares of Crown land east of Muirhead North to use as an “offset” for their Lee Point housing project – to counter loss of habitat for the endangered Black-footed Tree-rat (BFTR).

The DHA housing project (with proposed offsets) will clear half the old-growth trees (2020 tree numbers) from Lee Point – a disastrous outcome for Lee Point and the BFTR.

Friends of Lee Point will be urging the NT Government to reject this Direct Sale Application for Lee Point land (eastern section in blue) and pursue a public process that prioritizes genuine ecological conservation.

Fig 1. Lee Point showing old growth trees (yellow pins), offsets (blue), DHA area to be cleared (orange).

Why the DHA application should be opposed:

      1. Destruction of Habitat: Over the last 80 years, Lee Point has suffered a major decline of old growth trees – BFTRs rely on old-growth trees. This project will clear half the old-growth trees (2020 tree numbers) at Lee Point.
      2. Failed Policy: Offsets should only be used a last resort in accordance with the NT Govenment’s offset policy. There are much better locations for this project that don’t involve clearing endangered species habitat.
      3. Proven Mismanagement: Between unauthorized clearing (resulting in fines) and uncontrolled Gamba Grass, DHA has already demonstrated they cannot be trusted with the care of Lee Point land.
      4. No Transparency: A direct sale avoids public scrutiny. City of Darwin’s recent call for a Senate inquiry into the DHA Lee Point housing project was partly triggered by a lack of public scrutiny on land dealings. FLP are calling for an open, competitive process that puts the environment first.

      Fig 2. Lee Point Crown land in the Direct Sale Application – sourced from NT News July 2026

      Please submit your objection by Tuesday, 14 July 2026. Email your concerns to the Executive Director of the Crown Land Estate, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment at: crownland.estate@nt.gov.au

      Demand they reject this application and protect Lee Point for future generations.