Greetings Friends,
This monthly newsletter (No. 43) includes; Shorebird Festival, Government planning, DHA under investigation, quiz, plants and wildlife.
1.0 Shorebird Festival
Last year’s Shorebird Festival was a great success attracting people from interstate and overseas, and enjoyed by hundreds of people of all ages. It is on again this year, check out Darwin-Garramilla Shorebird Festival – 20-22 Sept 2024.
Fig 1. Part of the Shorebird Festival Art Exhibition 2023 – painting by David Percival
Fig 2. Far Eastern Curlews at Lee Point – Sandy Creek.
The endangered Far Eastern Curlew is this year’s bird of the Shorebird Festival.
2.0 Government planning
NT Planning Commission called for public comment on its Strategic Directions Planning Policy (SDPP) discussion paper. The SDPP, once completed, could have a significant influence on strategic planning in the Territory.
FLP provided this submission on the SDPP discussion paper.
Some of the things we would like incorporated in the SDPP are Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles plus a requirement to include habitat corridors on land use plans.
Fig 3. Map showing Darwin’s Wildlife Corridor
Having Darwin’s Wildlife Corridor (connected savanna habitat) identified on the Darwin Regional Land Use Plan will help preserve Darwin’s natural heritage and biodiversity, and benefit Darwin’s tourist industry in the long term.
Australian Government – FLP are still seeking answers to these questions; what other sites were considered to:
· avoid an environmental offset, or
· optimise long term public benefit.
The previous DHA minister (Matt Thistlethwaite MP) was asked the above questions in March 2024 but did not provide an answer. A new minister for DHA has yet to be announced.
3.0 DHA under investigation
The ABC 7.30 Report revealed that DHA was under investigation by the Territory and Australian Government for alleged illegal clearing at Lee Point in early May 2024. It prompted a press conference and media coverage.
As of late-August, no decisions had been taken regarding the clearing allegations. A summary of allegations is posted here.
Fig 4. Lee Point peninsula, red outline shows extent of DHA housing with Stage 1, 2 and 3 cleared. Stage 2 and 3 were cleared early May 2024.
Other problems associated with the Lee Point DHA housing project include:
- the developer (DHA) having a clear conflict of interest by creating the Lee Point Area Plan for its housing project,
- bulldozing critical habitat for threatened wildlife,
- no affordable housing, and
- creating an urban sprawl for the taxpayer to sort out.
An urban sprawl costs everyone and affects Darwin’s future. For more detail see Planning for Lee Point.
Take Action
The Lee Point housing project has been plagued by appalling planning from the start, and never should have been allowed to get this far. It is well past time for an investigation into DHA. Take Action:
Please sign this PETITION.
Or
Write a song. What better way to tell government you love Lee Point than in a song. The NT Government is running a music competition called; Caring for Country Music Competition – entries close 20 Sept 2024.
Here is a video about a Lee Point/Binybara song.
4.0 Quiz
This plant (see below photos) is common in the woodland on Lee Point peninsula. It is flowering at the moment and produces edible fruit. What is its name?
Flowers
Fig 5. Photos of small woodland shrub/tree from Lee Point Biodiversity Corridor.
5.0 Plants and Wildlife
Fig 6. Out on a Wilderness Walk.
Wilderness Walks have been held every week at 5pm Sunday and sometimes on Saturday morning at 7am – see FLP Facebook for latest info. They have been identifying 30-45 bird species, see ebird for latest sightings.
Some of the wildlife seen in the Lee Point Biodiversity Corridor this month.
Fig 7. Lemon Migrant butterfly on Red-flowering Kurrajong
Fig 8. Brown Quail – photo Sam Duffy
Fig 9. Golden Tree Snake – photo Sam Duffy
Golden Tree Snakes are harmless – meet more suburban serpents.
Fig 10. Australian Hobby (Little Falcon) on top of Osprey Tower – photo Sam Duffy
Fig 11. Brown Goshawk breaking off nesting material
Fire danger period declared to 30 September – If you see a fire on the Lee Point peninsula it is probably arson, call 000, response time is critical for controlling fires.
Enjoy the last of the Dry Season
Answers to Quiz
Answer Q1. – Milky Plum (Persoonia falcata) – more information here