Greetings,
This monthly newsletter (No. 63) includes; upcoming events, traffic problems, art, government update, quiz, plants and wildlife.
Upcoming events:
15 Feb – Sunday 10am-1200 Lee Point Painting Workshop ECNT Nightcliff Space – Free event
20 Feb – Friday 9.30am, NTCAT hearing, FLP vs DCA – read more
24 Feb – Tuesday 5.30pm, Presentation by Save Lee Point to City of Darwin – read more
1.0 Traffic problems getting worse
Fig 1. Vanderlin Drive inbound near Lee Point Road – July 2024.
Fig 2. Traffic on VRD Drive looking towards Lee Point Road – 8am 10 Feb 2026
Traffic has increased on VRD Drive and Castlereagh Drive because motorists are trying to avoid the traffic congestion at the Vanderlin/Lee Point roundabout. Lyons, Muirhead and Lee Point Stage 1 (all built by DHA) have contributed to this traffic problem.
DHA plans to house thousands of people at Lee Point that will make traffic problems in Leanyer much worse.
Ratepayers should not be subsidising this costly urban sprawl. There are plently of alternative sites closer to defence bases.
Please sign this PETITION to City of Darwin
2.0 Art on corflutes
Fig 3. Lee Point Painting Workshop
A free event with materials provided, all welcome. Sunday morning 1000-1200, 15 Feb at ECNT Nightcliff Space.
Fig 4. Perspectives and views of Lee Point by Caitlan Boulton (14-19 years)
“What you like about Lee Point” artworks were created by young Territorians in 2022. FLP recently reprinted selected artworks. They are on display at the WW2 tunnels, Darwin Waterfront.
2.0 Government update
Australian Government
The Lee Point housing project does not meet the objects or policy of the old EPBC Act or the principals of the proposed National Environmental Standards. FLP have written to Minister for the Environment, Senator Murray Watt, asking for the Lee Point housing project be reviewed.
NT Government
DHA land clearing remains on hold until the independent body NTCAT (Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal) hears a legal challenge from Larrakia – Danggalaba Traditional Owner, Tibby Quall – read more.
Fig 5. Bulldozer clearing Stage 2, May 2024.
NTCAT court case FLP vs DCA – 9.30am Friday 20 Feb 2026.
DHA breached the NT Planning Act when it cleared Stage 2 & 3 in 2024 but Development Consent Authority (DCA) decided not to take any action. FLP have asked NTCAT to review the matter – read more
Kat McNamara MLA for Nightcliff retires – Kat McNamara MLA was a great supporter of Lee Point and she will be missed by Save Lee Point supporters.
Fig 6. Tawny Frogmouth and MLA Kat McNamara on Dec 2024 Wilderness Walk.
Margaret Clinch is back in action after some time off. Margaret has been campaiging for better planning in the NT for decades. She recently attended the NT Planning Commission hearing on rezoning land near Darwin Surf Club in Casaurina Coastal Reserve.
No submissions were received in favour of the rezoning and no one from the Surf Club attended the hearing.
Local Government – City of Darwin
Save Lee Point presents to City of Darwin – 5.30pm Tues 24 Feb
IMPORTANT – Representatives from Save Lee Point and DHA have been invited to present on the Lee Point housing project at the Council Chambers;
- Public Forum 5.00 to 5.30pm. Check in 4.50pm.
- Presentation 5.30pm (after the Public Forum). Check in 5.20pm.
Lee Point/Binybara needs your help
City of Darwin Public Forum on the 27 Jan – Approx 30 Save Lee Point supporters attended the forum on 27 Jan to voice their concerns over the Lee Point housing project – read more
Fig 7. Save Lee Point supporters after the 27 Jan Public Forum.
Please sign this PETITION to City of Darwin
4.0 Quiz
Why do Fiddler Crabs have one oversized claw? Answers at the end.
Fig 8. Fiddler Crab
5.0 Plants and Wildlife
Images from Lee Point in February 2026.
Fig 9. Fiddler Crabs in mangroves
Favourite Food: organic matter
Fig 10. Purple Climber Crab (Metopograpsus spp.) at Buffalo Creek
Favourite Food: organic matter
Fig 11. Striated Heron in mangroves
Favourite Food: crabs and small fish
Fig 12. Lesser Frigatebird harassing a Crested Tern for food – photos by Tobias
Favourite Food: fish
The Lesser Frigatebird is the smallest frigatebird with a wingspan up to 1.9m. Frigatebirds are widely considered the most acrobatic seabird in the world and sometimes steal food off other birds. They are seen near the Darwin coast when storms are around.
Wilderness Walks
Wilderness Walks have been recording between 25-45 bird species, refer ebird for latest sightings. Please check Friends of Lee Point Facebook for walk times.
All the best for the Wet Season