NIMBY's, NIABY's and DIMBA's
This brilliant piece – a defence of community groups rights to object – was written by an objector after she was attacked in the paper for being a NIMBY.This is her response...
Weddell
The Territory Government launched its Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan Towards 2030 for public consultation on 10-2-11. Public information sessions have been held. Read the Media Release | More information
A Conference & Design Forum was held in September 2010 - 
ConferenceDesignForumSept10.pdf2.99 MB
The Conference & Design Forum Outcomes can be read here – ConferenceDesignForumOutcomes.pdf2.94 MB
See what others have said here – http://www.nt.gov.au/lands/growth/weddell/haveyoursay/conference.shtml
Have your say here - http://www.nt.gov.au/lands/growth/weddell/haveyoursay/index.shtml
Enter the Weddell Tropical Housing Design Competition here
Read the Greater Darwin Region Land use Plan - GreaterDarwinRegionLandUsePlan.pdf3.52 MB
Read the Weddell Overview - WeddellOverview-GrowingTheTerritory.pdf505.86 KB
Read about the Weddell Sustainability Directions - WeddellSustainabilitydirections-GrowingtheTerritory.pdf409.02 KB
The NT Government says it will invest $6m in the 2011 budget to seal the road to the new city of Weddell as part of its ‘Growing the Territory’ initiative. Read the Media Release
The Exceptional Development rules now subverting our Planning Scheme
Developers are being encouraged by our government to use this rule to fast track development and overcome hurdles in the rules, when it was originally designed to enable a development which was exceptional (eg we hadn't planned to accommodate a horse & cart in the middle of the CBD in the 21st century)
Area Plans in the Planning Scheme being ignored by Government Planners
See Mitchell Creek CatchmentThe Expense of Sustainable Building
Removing a few car parks enables the developer to claim they are building sustainably yet the community has to wear the outcomes into the future.
For some practical online information on how to create sustainable urban residential developments click here
Read about the NT Government's New energy Efficiency Requirements for the Building Industry here
The Expense of Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is an issue right across Australia. Some progress is being made, after years of government neglect.
In the NT some new estates are including 15% affordable housing with Commonwealth Government incentive schemes available. Some firms specialise in this work. Unfortunately, some of these have unsatisfactory features, such as very small lots. In the CBD an application for affordable flats to be built in the CBD brought strong objections. However, providing city accommodation for low paid workers, such a cleaners, is a real problem.
In the suburbs, PLan generally favours cluster dwellings with shared common open space to minute 'houses', or flats in towers. This gives people at different stages in life, a choice of accommodation types which are variously affordable.
Throughout the NT, the organisation, NT Shelter, has very quickly, under the capable Ms Toni Vine-Bromley, established effective leadership in this important field. This is part of a national network. For further information: www.ntshelter.org
Read about the NT Government's affordable housing here
Read about the NT Government's affordable housing rental company here
Read about how the NT Government is making it easier for families to own their own homes here
Read about the NT Government's initiatives for Housing the Territory here
Read about the Australian Government's Social Housing Implementation Plan - NT here
Read NT Shelters Report Levers to Promote Affordable Housing in the NT here
Read an Article in the NT News 29-7-2011 here
Arafura Harbour
In a lull in CBD development a proposal was made by Even Lynn of Gwelo Investments and Hans Vos to develop a huge canal estate from East Point to Coconut Grove. There was a huge organised public reaction against this, until the Chief Minister Paul Henderson announced that because the land involved is crown land the development could not go ahead.
Looking at the tidal mouth of the Ludmilla Creek is seems an unlikely development, which was claimed to be ten times as large as Cullen Bay which has not been without its problems.
Canal estates are banned in NSW and Victoria, and strongly limited in Queensland and WA. They have had major and costly environmental impacts, some of which are not apparent until long after they are built.
They are particularly questionable in times of global warming, stormy weather, sea rise, flooding events, and increased storm surge risk. A recent special Commonwealth report has detailed these negative implications.
Old Hospital Site
Very disappointingly, in proposing the redeveloping of this site, the NT Government mandated that 20% of its area must be used up by residential blocks to pay for the cost of the park. In a compromise response to local consultation, the NT Government will move these proposed residential apartments away from the Lambell Terrace (Larrakeyah) side, where they would have overlooked houses. However, it will not reduce their height. Through public consultation on the draft design, the public opted for a more natural and less costly park, with an easier to maintain design, than the interstate consultants promoted. It was hoped this reduced cost would lower the height and mass of the apartment buildings ‘required’ to cover costs. There are some nice features in the park. The basic design was settled early in 2009, after a report from government appointed local cultural consultant Dr Mickey Dewar.
Flagstaff Park and the Sudden Appearance of the Mystery Restaurant
Historically Flagstaff Park is a distinct area beyond the fence at the end of Myilly Point. This is where the NT Army Commander, and later Mr Justice Blackburn, lived in Flagstaff House, before Cyclone Tracy blew it away in 1974. There remain relics of a large tropical garden with tennis courts and flagpole. It is a beautiful site, with high harbour views and natural breezes.
When the NT Government decided on parkland in the central section of Myilly Point, it threw in Flagstaff Park with the rest, as if it had no special historical significance. Local consultant GHD, provided a layout for on-line public comment. It had a list of numbered features on the plan with a key. Surprisingly, a site for restaurant was, without explanation, mysteriously superimposed. It took the prime landmark viewing site looking towards East Point, and was not included in the GHD numbering.
Flagstaff Park was zoned in the time of the previous government for Tourist Development (B5). Beginning in about 1999, a community group, familiar with the site, worked with PLan to have the area recognised and rezoned as a landmark headland park, for public recreation and picnics. When the ALP won government in 2001, Chief Minister Clare Martin fulfilled an ALP election promise, publicly announcing that the park was saved from tourist development. She announced the return of this park to the people. Flagstaff Park was then rezoned as public open space.
PLan waited patiently through years of delays between the government and Darwin City Council about who should pay for and manage this neglected park for the People.
It is outrageous, in the face of the ALP government’s election promise, that any attempt is made to superimpose a large restaurant site on the park, by business interests. A promise is a promise! This would change the prime usage of the park back to tourism, with traffic making it unsafe for children. The restaurant could easily be located, as we have suggested, with equally good views to East Point, in the middle section of the Myilly Point park.
So frequently PLan, now in its sixteenth year, finds previously made promises and public expectations are being ignored or eroded.
Down Disconsolate Streets
Our northern capital survived being bombed and blown away only to have its heart torn out by rapacious development. By Nicholas Rothwell
READER, come, and drive with me down the mean, degraded streets of the city I most love. Our journey will be brief, but full of memories, and pain, and sharp surprise. Let’s start at the very end of the road: the grassy, unemphatic little roundabout where the ribbon of the Stuart Highway, which has stretched northwards from the Port Augusta salt flats, through Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and through tropical Katherine, finally, after 3000 straight kilometres, runs out.
Densification of Darwin Suburbs, Rural Area Lands and Villages
Earlier in 2011, after a long gap in long term planning, the Strategic Branch of the Department of Lands and Planning issued 'Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan, towards 2030. Consultation report.' in the Growing Territory series. PLan has reference copies of the report at Shop 23 at Rapid Creek business village.
This report overviews the present planning situation, then sets out ideas for accommodating residential and commercial growth until 2025 and 2010 through land use planning and changing urban design parameters (82 pages).
Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan
Areas specified include Darwin City Centre (CBD), Darwin Inner Suburbs, Darwin City-Northern Suburbs, Winnellie/Berrimah, Palmerston, Weddell, Litchfield, Cox Peninsula. Darwin Industrial Options, and Darwin Port. In terms of residential issues, it anticipates a population increase of between 53,000-70,000 people, and up t0 28060 new dwellings, but other aspects are covered.
This is an NT Government policy document. There was a series of public meetings, and the time for official public comment is long past.
This report will have a big impact on the community planning, much of which we may not be able to easily anticipate. Residents should be alert to the possibilities.
In simple terms, apart from the new city of Weddell - the subject of a planning competition, after an initial local forum for ideas which produced about eight basic models; and Palmerston which continues its scheduled initial growth, including its CBD.
The main impact on the community is from 'infill' in existing residential areas. A surge of developer enthusiasm is already welcoming this approach, and moving to take take advantage of it. This marks an end to certainty for suburban and rural amenity, and major changes of local character.
In inner suburbs, it means more multi-storey apartments, and loss of green open space. In the Northern suburbs, it may mean the end to the community/school centred local planning provided in the 1970's by far sighted Commonwealth planners, and the swallowing up of green open spaces by developers.
In rural areas and their centres, residents have already reacted strongly to the additional populations planned through densification. Gerry Wood has already strong people support for an alternative plan with smaller increases.
Government Plan - www.nt.gov.au/lands/growth/gdr_2030/ruralvillages/index.shtml
Gerry Wood's Office - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Though there is obviously some logic in part of the densification approach, but there are serious dangers if it is not properly controlled, planned and managed. The rules of land use planning must be clear in advance, set with prior public consultation, and developments not dependent on random discretionary decisions.
There are dangers such as:
Smaller lots, more suburban high rises, sharing of single lots, uncertain tenure, loss of tropical architecture, loss of local character, poor interface, loss of green open spaces, increasing lack of public facilities, overburdening older infrastructures, destruction of informed existing urban design by economic imperatives, destruction of heritage and favourite places, lack of social sustainability, lack of legal clarity, loss of amenity, neglect of children's needs, social disruption, dependence on short term developers imperatives, increases in rates, loss of community ownership and identity, and even less open decision making.
Some of this has already happened. That is why the community must insist of being informed, call on their local members, stay informed and alert, speak up for their planning rights, demand well planned communities, and have the long term planning that we need. It is our right in a democracy.
Rural Villages as proposed by Mr G Wood MLA for Nelson
An alternative lesser densification of rural centres than the Labor government proposes.
Read & have your say about The NT Government's proposal in regard to Rural Villages here
Read the NT News Article NT News Article
The CLP appears to favour retaining rural lifestyles in rural areas – read what they told the Property Council here
Read Gerry Wood's, Independent MLA, proposal in regard to Rural Centres:
Rural Village Development Discussion Paper2.78 MB
If you accord with Mr Wood's proposal please support him – print, complete and send the following letter to the Minister for Lands & Planning
Little Mindil gifted to the Casino?
There remain strong concerns about Little Mindil. The escarpment and the creek line have not been rehabilitated as required.
This was the responsibility of the Casino, as a condition of the crown lease term. All vegetation was mechanically torn off the
escarpment, and the fore dune, much loved for sunset viewing was excavated and taken away as fill. Other vegetation, including trees were destroyed near residences, with loss of bird life. Promises were made by Land Administration about supervision of rehabilitation work, although nothing seems to have happened.
PLan and local residents are concerned what will happen when the casino acquires freehold of Little Mindil when the lease finishes. Most concern is about the possibility of building on the escarpment, in front of the heritage precinct, or on the flat approaches to Little Mindil Beach. The Casino currently has fill on the motel side, away from Little Mindil. There is concern about storm surge and monsoon damage.
In order to understand the long term implications of the Casino's takeover, we have asked Minister Gerry McCarthy for a copy of the land agreement made between the NTG and the Casino, dated 26.6.2009. This is essential to interpreting the situation. There has been no reply from the Minister's Office. No Agreement about changed ownership of public land should be commercial and in confidence'.
Little Mindil Escarpment (from 2009 newsletter)
Letter to the Editor
The letter to the editor attached below follows an item in the NT News of 6 December, 2011 publicising the installation of a footbridge in their tourist development for 'high roller' gamblers. They are able to build these extensions to their accommodation because they can move their major outside entertainment venue to little Mindil.
Parks and Public Green Open Spaces
One of the most neglected and overlooked aspects of planning is the provision of public open spaces of various kinds.
Think about this ! There is a whole range of different types. the public want them for conserving the environment, for active and passive recreation, and for breathing space. But how do they get created ? Applications do not come to the DCA to be assessed. How does the public achieve new parks ?
In the case of the Mitchell Creek Catchment, the NTG. is so far is failing to act in accord with community expectation through the Palmerston East Area Plans which are an essential park of the NTPS. The NTG favoured private ownership over the regularising the shape of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve at Lee Point. In the CBD there has been massive apartment multi-storey development for the past ten years without one new public park being created. Such lack was pointed out in the CBD Forum. Darwin City Council says it has no money for new parks, or the development of places like the old Stella Maris as a local public facility. Even a tiny park at O'Ferrals Rock in Bayview has not been accepted by the Darwin City Council after the DCA approved it, perhaps ten years ago.
Big park initiatives have been the Old Hospital Site and Myilly Point which attracted consultants fees when the community could easily have done appropriate layouts. Both are still 'promises' on hold as too costly for present budgets which gives no priority to public parks. Both parks are too far away from the CBD for young women walking there with prams, to enjoy. Even Flagstaff Park, a separate historical location at the end of Myilly Point, sincerely promised, and delivered to Darwin families by former Chief Minister Clare Martin in 2001, and appropriately rezoned by Kon Vatskalis, stands abandoned, except for grass cutting. Even it is threatened by a proposed restaurant. Yes, we have Waterparks, but they usually need to be driven to. We need simple pocket parks within walking distance of home. They can be linked by walkways and bicycle parks.
In the suburbs, the Commonwealth Government era planned in natural green open spaces; and schools, and other community spaces with public ovals. Many of these are now fenced off from the public, without consultation, and others are seen a targets for the new densification. So 'WATCH THIS SPACE', and speak up locally, or you, and all of us, may lose it. Little Mindil is a big example of a public recreation area actually being lost.
So we must keep in mind to remember that green open spaces are a collective community asset. We must cherish and protect them actively. They are our ancient public right to own perpetually, and 'ARE NOT FOR SALE, OR TRADING.
The Karama Flats Community Episode
The illustration shows the closeness of the proposed new development to the existing well established area of one and two storey residences.
The problem here has occurred because long vacant lots, now approved for by the DCA for development, have till now laid empty opposite the Karama Shopping Centre.
The owner is now to build on them with a series of multi-storey (four and five storeys) flats in blocks, along Kalymnos Drive to Manunda. These blocks of flats will overlook the existing residents immediately behind them. The placement of these lots is consistent with the NT Governments present densification initiative. However, it must be stressed that the lots are zoned MR Medium Density allowing residential development up to four storeys.
There are conflicting clauses in the NTPS about this type of situation.
Some [clauses 7.1(4), and less - 7.4, and 8.3] ameliorate the impact of 'interface' between actual zones (where a development application consistent with a zone would impact on development in a different adjacent zone). This cannot be applied because the existing homes are ironically not in an SD zone.
The other [clause 5.3.3] states, 'The scale, character, and architectural style of infill development should be compatible with the streetscapes and surrounding development'.
Karama Residents Group appealed to the Lands and Mining Tribunal against the DCA's decision to approve the flats, except that, because of interface requirements, the block on the Manunda corner was restricted to three storeys. This lengthy process is just concluded. Magistrate Lowndes found against the residents. He declared that the character of the area was determined not by their one and two storey homes, with established gardens, but by the commercial centre, across Kalymnos Drive. (This is shopping centre is not multi storey and is not surrounded by gardens.) The transcript of decision is very derisive of the capacity of our communities to make accurate assessments in appeals against 'expert' planning decisions.
Thanks to the Karama residents for carrying the issue this far. Unfortunately community is almost always at a disadvantage in appealing against developers, because of financial considerations, eg. being unable to appeal a Tribunal decision to the Supreme Court. Commiserations to those whose privacy and amenity will be destroyed by the new development overlooking them.
Update 18/08/2012
As at 18.8.2012 there was no sign of any development on this site. Even the piles of construction earth having been taken away, to leave a clear vacant site. We are unsure why this is so, but it may be due to the NT Election being scheduled for 25.8.2012. We do hope it is a more permanent decision to restrict heights to two storeys to match the surrounding established area.
When we have the news about portfolios we will be asking for those, and MLA contacts to be updated.
Update 5.1.2013
Late in 2012, the proponents of the extensive Karama Unit s block development submitted new plans for the site at the corner of Kalimnos and Manunda. This was in the later part of the year, when the building site was standing clear of any evidence of construction.
The original plans, contested by local residents who would have been affected complied with the NT Government's lestablished land use zoning.
However, the proposed units, as designed, would have overlooked a large area of long established and pleasant one and two storey residences. This situation resulted objections from existing Karama residents. These appeals failed.
However, PLan is pleased to see that the new plans, though still for three and four storeys are less oriented to overlook the existing homes. these new plans have recently been approved by the Development Consent Authority(DCA).
This experience of this large residential densification, near commercial facilities and transport services in the northern suburbs, should provide valuable lessons for the Northern Territory Government, prospective developers and local residents in similar situations.
Membership & Donations
PLan is an incorporated voluntary organization working towards a better living environment.
Our Financial year is from 1 January to 31 December each year.
Membership is only $25 per year.
2024 year now open - renew or join now and receive membership to the end of year 2024.
Donations are always welcome if you can afford it.
How you can pay your subscription
- Online via Pay Pal, Visa or Mastercard
- Payment can be made by cash
- Cheques made out to: PLan: the Planning Action Network
- Payment by Bank transfer
Payment can be made by cash in person.
Find us Thursday 5:30pm at 8/1 Buffalo Court Darwin NT "Raffles".
Cheques made out to: PLan: the Planning Action Network, and sent to:
The Treasurer,
PLan: the Planning Action Network, Inc,
GPO Box 2513,
Darwin, 0801
Payment by Bank transfer
Payments to be made to 'PLan: the Planning Action Network'
Bank: Bendigo Bank, Nightcliff, NT
BSB: 633-000
Account No: 136 691 540
Please make sure to identify yourself on the bank transfer.
In each case, please return, by hand, email, or mail, a copy of a membership form with your current details, also indicating renewal, or new membership, or those details separately.
Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mail:
The Treasurer,
Plan: the Planning Action Network, Inc
GPO Box 2513, Darwin, NT 0801.
End of page
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Contact
PLan has moved to 8/1 Buffalo Court, Darwin. This is the Raffles building.
Our valued volunteers man the office Thursday afternoon between 1pm and 5.30pm:
Phone: 08 8927 1999 or 0447 499 794
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We can be contacted by post at: GPO Box 2513, Darwin, NT, 0801
Other contacts
Archives
Archives below...Meetings & Events
PLan's Meetings | Events, Past & Present | Current Events | Past Events
Current Events
Notice of Annual General Meeting
PLan - the Planning Action Network Inc is a volunteer community group working for better urban and rural planning in the Northern Territory.
PLan invites members and interested parties to our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
Details of the meeting are:
Date: Saturday 7th November 2020
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Venue: Flagstaff Park, Myilly Point Darwin.
If you wish to express an interest in attending or if you wish to be an apology, please contact us on 0447 449 794 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Download the AGM Proxy Form from here: AGM_-_Proxy_Form.pdf
Download the AGM - Request for committee nominations from here: AGM_-_Request_for_committee_nominations.pdf
Download the AGM - Request for items of Business 2020 from here: AGM_-_Request_for_items_of_Business_2020.pdf
PLan's Meetings
A lot of hard work has gone into setting up our new Information Centre at Shop 26B/16, Charlton Crt, Woolner, opposite Middys. There is environmental and planning information in books, magazines, and maps, on our databases, and in photographs and displays.
We open on Thursdays from noon to 6pm, and can usually be available at other times, given some notice. If you feel you need to call us, or come in at different times, phone 89271999, and we will see what we can do, either at the shop, or on site. This is where our committee meetings are held.
We are all volunteers, as there are no paid staff. If you want to be a volunteer on Thursdays, in the shop, please let us know. We can soon bring you up to speed.
The shop is pleasant, air conditioned, has access to toilets, and has plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits.
There are regular committee meetings, with members invited as observers. Check 08 8927 1999 for dates.
The best way to get regular automatic updates and alerts is to join PLan for $20 per year. (See Membership)
Development Consent Authority Meetings
These are help monthly in the main divisions. Dates are usually noted on Planning Notices in the NT News.
Events
Tropical Garden Spectacular
Each year PLan has an information stall at the Tropical Garden Spectacular. We always look forward to seeing you there.
The garden and outdoor tropical living show is held in the George Brown Botanic Gardens, organised by the Nursery and Garden Industry of the Northern Territory (NGINT) with various sponsors. Many organisations and garden businesses have information and sales stalls under the trees in the open air. There is plenty to see, people to meet, and challenging, novel competitions in the gardens.
There are commercial and departmental stands, craft stalls, and all types of not for profit organisations relating to the natural environment, parks and gardens, and healthy tropical living strutting their stuff. A central area provides food and drinks, and a sit down, next to a performance area for children's presentations, and visiting garden celebrities, with tips for gardening and sustainable environments.
ONE OF DARWIN'S FAVOURITE ANNUAL EVENTS - DON'T MISS IT
Darwin City Council Consultations
Darwin City Council Forums are held at 4.30pm before the 2nd Ordinary council meeting (held on the last Tuesday of each month) in the reception area upstairs outside Council Chambers, see calendar here – this allows you an opportunity to question their policies and decisions and make your own known to them. If not satisfied you could always ask them a public question.
Past Events
Meetings_and_Events_2000.pdf698.39 KB
Meetings_and_Events_2001.doc23.5 KB
Meetings_and_Events_2001.pdf26.83 KB
Meetings_and_Events_2002.pdf1.92 MB
Meetings_and_Events_2003.pdf1.04 MB
Meetings_and_Events_2004a.pdf696.85 KB
Meetings_and_Events_2004b.pdf702.46 KB
Meetings_and_Events_2004c.pdf3.41 MB
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About Us
PLan – the Planning Action Network Inc is a volunteer community group working for better urban and rural planning in the Northern Territory.
PLan collaborates with resident and community groups on matters including the built environment, heritage, cultural and environmental values of concern in the Northern Territory and Australia.PLan’s aim is to achieve, for the community, sustainability in terms of social, cultural, environmental and balanced long term economic impacts.
PLan’s specific objects as set out in its constitution are:
- To be an apolitical, non-hierarchical organisation that reflects a co-operative network of people who are otherwise members of a local action group, or individuals interested in planning issues;
- To achieve better living environments through community advocacy of good planning principles, incorporating natural, heritage, cultural and social values throughout the NT;
- To provide a network communication medium for organisations and people active in planning issues;
- To support community based action groups through the exchange of experience and co-ordination of resources, and to encourage and assist new community action groups;
- To monitor proposed developments, and research responses;
- To consider and develop expertise on wider planning issues;
- To provide public education, increase public awareness, and debate in relation to planning issues;
- To make representations on behalf of the community to relevant agencies or organisations, on particular, and general planning matters.
PLan is involved with:
- Keeping public parks, foreshores, catchments & escarpments green.
- Safeguarding public foreshores & escarpments & viewing points.
- Encouraging good planning with harmony between the natural & built environments.
- Ensuring greater community consultation in planning.
- Promoting & advising local community groups in planning matters.
- Supporting individuals, resident groups & other stakeholders at the Development Consent Authority.
- Facilitating community/developer consultation before applications are drawn up, for “win-win” results.
- Maintaining the monetary value of home investments.
- Conserving natural, cultural & heritage values for local residents & the tourism industry.
- Balance in the CBD, new suburbs & remote places.
- Providing community facilities & transport options including cycling & light rail.
- Managing Darwin Harbour as a natural asset for all, planning for infrastructure & responding to climate change.
- Improving the Planning Act & Scheme & redefining the role of the Development Consent Authority.
- Promoting open & accountable governance & ensuring strategic planning occurs.
PLan’s Checklist:
- Balance
- Amenity
- Public ownership
- Sustainable development
- Green spaces in new suburbs
- Community character
- Public recreation
- Youth facilities
- Ecological systems
- Tropical design
- CBD design
- Long term strategic planning
- Heritage & cultural values
- Land capability in Greater Darwin
PLan is always open to new members & input from everyone in the community, so why not join us & influence planning in the community.
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