Stage 2 & 3 (approx 18ha) were cleared with bulldozers and chains during 30 Apr-2 May 2024.
The Friends of Lee Point community have alleged that Defence Housing Australia (DHA) have made clear and substantial breaches of the Lee Point Development Permit 18/0409.
The alleged breaches relate mainly to the clearing of Stage 3 and includes (but not limited to):
- Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) not being endorsed prior to start of works.
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) not being complied with prior to start of works (including site preparation)
- The Shorebird monitoring program not being adequately implemented
A complaint involving the breaches was lodged today by Friends of Lee Point Inc. on behalf of the Friends of Lee Point community to the NT Government – Development Assessment Services. Not all information was publicly available to check all conditions had been satisfied and further information has been requested.
Statements to Media
The destruction of the old-growth forest at Lee Point by a government-owned housing developer has drawn international condemnation with veteran conservationist Dr Jane Goodall describing it “…as simply unacceptable”.
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young in a statement to the Senate described the recent clearing works at Lee Point as a “Government-sanctioned Extinction”.