Updated 25 Feb 2026
Fig 1. Lord Mayor addressing the Public Forum 24 Feb 2026
Presentations were held after the Public Forum at 5.30pm. The Save Lee Point presentation (see below) was well received by those who attended, the DHA presentation made by Mr Brendan O’Brien, less so.
Save Lee Point presentation
The presentation covered threats to cultural heritage, biodiversity and worsening traffic problems.
Traffic problems have been getting worse as a result of housing projects in the vicintity of Lee Point.
Fig 2. Traffic congestion on VRD Drive on 8am 10 Feb 2026.
The Save Lee Point group asked council:
- to table and minute the summary from the “Preliminary evaluation of three Darwin sites for defence and community housing – Draft Report” by eight stakeholders.
- to have council write to the Australian Government requesting an independent cost-benefit study on alternative locations for the Lee Point housing project.
- not to accept further subdivisions at Lee Point.
FLP and Plan delivered a petition from ~1200 people to council calling on the City of Darwin not to accept further subdivisions at Lee Point.
DHA Presentation
Mr Brendan O’Brien presented on behalf of DHA. DHA plans to build 800 homes with 200 houses for defence personnel.
He described the main aim of the Lee Point housing project was to maximise profit to build more houses for defence.
He said the site is in pretty poor condition generally, but there are areas of high diversity value and those areas will be protected at the moment.
Mr O’Brien advised those present that the DHA housing project at Lee Point would proceed after the NTCAT (Tibby Quall) hearing in April regardless of the hearing outcome*.
Save Lee Point comments on the DHA presentation
Save Lee Point found Mr O’Brien’s comments that DHA was going to ignore the future finding of NTCAT to be disrespectful*.
It is likely Mr O’Brien received some poor information based on comments he made:
SCHOOL – a school at Lee Point was mentioned. The NT Government has never committed to funding a school at Lee Point.
RESTORATING THE ESCARPMENT (west of 2CRU) – the land was described as needing restoration. Apart from the four erosion gullies, the land is intact and does not need restoration.
There are four major erosion gullies west of 2CRU (identified by DHA in 2015) as needing restoration – refer Erosion Report.
The DHA site contains half the old-growth trees on Lee Point and far more than in the adjoining park.
GAMBA GRASS – a weed management program was mentioned. There are substantial outbreaks of Gamba Grass but very little has been done about it – refer Gamba Grass Report.
HOUSING – DHA to build 800 houses and densify housing. Last year it was 740 serviced lots with 200 lots/houses for defence. Increasing the density of housing will make the council’s Greening Darwin Strategy harder to deliver.
*DHA issued a correction on 26 Feb via Darwin ABC Radio saying that DHA would respect the findings from the NTCAT hearing on Tibby Quoll.
Updated 20 Feb 2026
Presentation – Save Lee Point representatives are presenting their concerns and a petition to council on the Lee Point housing project, 24 February 2026.
Speakers include:
-
- Lorraine Williams – Larrakia Danggalaba Traditional owner
- Graeme Sawyer – Biodiversity Watch
- David Percival & Ian Redmond – Friends of Lee Point
Presentation is from 5.30pm to 6.00pm (after the Public Forum) in the Council Chambers. Check in 5.20pm at Civic Centre, Harry Chan Ave, Darwin.
It is suggested that people interested in the presentation attend the public forum as well (see below).
Public Forum – A public forum is held (last Tuesday in the month) before the main council meeting at 5.30pm. The public can ask council about issues. It runs from 5.00pm to 5.30pm. Check in 4.50pm.
Fig 3. Public Forum room at Civic Centre – 27 Jan 2026