Land planning favours developers, says residents group
By ERWIN CHLANDA
The proposed removal of “amenity” would turn the Planning Act into a law even more serving developers rather than the whole community, says Margaret Clinch, campaigner over the last 25 years for a bottom-up approach to land planning in the Territory.
Far from being excluded from the objectives section of the proposed Planning Act, amenity – very generally, the things that make for a better place to live – should be front and centre of every planning decision, she says.
This should apply to all planned areas, industrial as well, not just residential: “It’s a matter of dividing up the land you have for the variety of uses needed, layout, transport, the way it’s good for the people who live and work there, from young marrieds to oldies, right through to high-end apartments in the CBD.
“Trouble is, Minister Eva Lawler keeps changing things suddenly, allowing community purposes land to be sold, granting exceptional development permits and refusing heritage listings.”
Ms Clinch says it’s clear the government wants to use planning to crank up the economy by endorsing applications from developers and creating work for builders at the expense of the lifestyle of people in the neighbourhoods.
And while the government provides a one stop shop where developers “get all sorts of help” – and who in any case have access to legal and other advice – no such in-depth shop is available to ordinary folk making applications or trying to find their way through the maze of regulations and processes.
Official consultations by the NT Planning Commission about new Area Plans which will have effect for many years are often presented by hired consultants who fail to take seriously the important objections of local residents.
Demolition of Anzac Highschoool in Alice Springs.
A meeting in Darwin on Wednesday, attended by 60 people, was an exception: Senior planner Del Batten shared the floor with Ms Clinch from the longstanding community group PLan: the Planning Action Network, Inc.
Ms Batten claimed the Act had been enriched with respect to “amenity”: While the word has been taken out the concept is covered elsewhere in the Act, Ms Clinch reports Ms Batten as saying.
The gathering called by the Planning Action Network Inc (PLAN) presented an extensive list of demands, including no more community purpose land sold to developers, and no ministerial override. They see a role for their network extending beyond Darwin.
For instance, they are very aware of the saga surrounding the current demolition of the former Anzac Hill High School, with no firm plans for the site in place, at least as far as the public knows.
Ms Clinch says projects such as small parks, community purpose land, schools, churches, community and youth centres should not fall by the wayside.
She says there are worrying reports that 50% of the next new development land will be in the Darwin CBD, and the rest in green areas right around the CBD.
In Alice Springs, while there is talk of master planning, the examples continue to abound of ad hoc decision-making for the CBD.
This is complicated by poor relationships between the government and the Town Council. One example is the proposed Kwatja water play area, which council favours being located at Snow Kenna Park, very close to the Anzac site currently being cleared by the NT Government.
How will the water play area mesh with what ultimately goes there? If anyone knows, they are not sharing the information with the community.
“The problem is that there is a top-down approach,” says Ms Clinch.
“The Planning Commission doesn’t hear what the public is saying. Profit, not community needs, is the objective.”
PLAN says in a media release that the Act needs to spell out in full what the Development Consent Authority must consider “so people can see its purpose”.
“Inadequate protection for urban and suburban natural environments”: massive drainage works at Kilgarrif are a good example. Humans suffer too (see their houses in the distance).
Ms Clinch says planning 50 years in advance is absurd, seeming to be a strategy of locking up land based on commercial activity centres that may never happen.
Says PLAN: “Basing the massive changes on strategic planning are counter-productive. The projections are too far into the future to be accurate, and do not have community acceptance.
“There is inadequate provision for local parks, community centres for old and young with a growing population; with inadequate protection for urban and suburban natural environments, animals and birds.
“[We] need integration of social infrastructure for health and to avoid crime. Pathways processes for social infrastructure. are long overdue.
“No more community purpose land sold to developers.
“The public is tired of being hectored again and again over the years and its needs ignored. The community must have equal status with developers,” says PLAN.
“Larger lots are needed for families.”
A spokesman for the group says there should be no let off for abandoned stockpiles, such as rubbish on a part of the Darwin foreshore.
A deep hole in preparation for construction that’s been abandoned for six years whereas the Act requires “making good” if construction doesn’t start within two years.
The old abattoir in Smith Street in Alice Springs may be an example of that problem in Alice Springs.
UPDATE November 30
Margaret Clinch sent this note: The department has extended the time for submissions for another week to Friday, December 6.
Interested people can just send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. saying: “Put amenity back into section 2A of the Planning Act.Design for the climate. All applications must be fully advertised in the press. No exceptional development permits. Preserve heritage.No specials.”
Hi to all the friends and supporters of BirdLife Top End,
A little while ago we were going to hold our launch for the Community care of migratory shorebirds in the Casuarina Coastal Reserve program but we postponed it because of covid-19. We have now organised to hold this event online using ZOOM and we invite you to attend virtually.
The ZOOM event will be on Tuesday 21st April 2020 from 6-7pm.
We would like to introduce our program to you and then hear your thoughts about the management of shorebirds in the Casuarina Coastal Reserve, how you might like to be involved, or how we can improve habitat for shorebirds. Please feel free to send through your ideas if you cannot join our meeting.
Details about the meeting are attached in the poster and you can join the event by clicking on the link below.
Topic: Community care of migratory shorebirds in the Casuarina Coastal Reserve Time: Apr 21, 2020 06:00 PM Darwin
Or iPhone one-tap : Australia: +61280156011,,767232570# or +61370182005,,767232570# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): Australia: +61 2 8015 6011 or +61 3 7018 2005 or +61 731 853 730 or +61 861 193 900 or +61 8 7150 1149 Meeting ID: 767 232 570 International numbers available: https://charlesdarwinuni.zoom.us/u/aJtSxRMLQ
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for organisations wishing to tender for a proposed Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract to collaborate with the project partners and project team to design and develop the Darwin Education and Civic Precinct. This proposed development is a centrepiece initiative of the Darwin City Deal between the City of Darwin, Northern Territory and Australia Government and Charles Darwin University (CDU). The development, on the Cavenagh Street Car Park site, aims to give CDU a presence in the heart of Darwin City. The development objectives are: • An opportunity to showcase an iconic building that is environmentally sustainable ("green") using the latest technology and environmental science • A sustainable partnership, benefitting the university, industry, community and government by providing an opportunity to interact directly at many levels to foster greater interaction and synergy • To create contemporary learning spaces and places that will attract new students from overseas as well as provide an urban campus experience • A vibrant Precinct that contributes to the local economy, and helps revitalise the city centre through new construction, building confidence for new investment as well as bringing new jobs and student/staff activity into the city centre. The ECI contractor must bring extensive experience in design management, cost planning and construction of significant mixed use developments or experience delivering significant individual educational, commercial or public developments. The EOI is the first stage of a multi-stage tender process. The objective of the EOI process is to identify and pre-register organisations that are interested in entering into the proposed contract and have suitable capacity, capability and experience. To keep up to date on our latest projects, follow NT DIPL on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NT.DIPL/). TENDERS.NET - http://www.tenders.net
This week we are launching our 2020 membership drive at Nightcliff Markets.
So to get your PLan: the Planning Action Network 2020 membership call down to Nightcliff Markets this Sunday 27th October 2019.
Memberships run from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 and cost $25. We also have a membership page on the website here https://planinc.org.au/membership.html
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.
Is it a home or a hostel or a ?
The NT Government is calling for comments on the current Planning Review. Before you move right along consider this; This proposed house at Claymore Circuit Brinkin was passed un challenged by NT gov https://planinc.org.au/news/current-campaigns/241-claymore.html except that the proponent had needed to put the 32 air conditioners on the third floor.
Now a three story residential home is possible but with eight bedrooms with each bedroom with an en suite and a second sink in the walk in robe it starts to get a bit less home and more like a hostel.
So please have a look and decide for yourself, is it is a home or hostel? Then have a look at the planning reform which will stream line development applications.
If an 8 bedroom, 32 air conditioner, 3 car park building with 1.6 metre boundaries was going in next door to your place and there was no issue under current planning rules would you like a chance to have your say?
Stage 3 of consultation on Planning Reform is now open. 7 October – 29 November 2019
The NT Government is now seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Planning Act. The proposed changes are set out in detail in the Consultation Draft of a Bill of Amendments to the Planning Act 1999.
Release of the consultation draft Bill is accompanied by a suite of supporting documents that provide context about how the changes to the Act will work with other changes to the planning system to implement planning reform.
Here is a thought, what does Amenity mean in the following?
Merit Assessable – development that requires the exercise of discretion by the consent authority to ensure it can be established and operated in a way that does not impact on the amenity of the area and accords with the relevant zone purpose and outcomes.
And changes to notifications
Notification streams for development applications Two new streams of notification will be introduced for development applications requiring public notification: Local notification – for minor developments that only have localised impacts. Applications will be simplified and notification will only be required to immediate local residents by letter and a sign on the land. Newspaper advertisement will not be required. (our emphasis) Designated development – for developments that require greater community consultation due to their location or nature. The minimum exhibition period for designated developments will be increased to 28 days. Consultation will occur later in the reform process to determine which developments will be subject to the new notification streams. The Regulations will list the types of development that will be subject to each stream. The existing standard notification requirements, including newspaper advertising, will continue to apply to most development applications.
More to come, the web site advises there will be public consultation sessions we have asked where and when?
Preliminary design plans for a playground precinct at Myilly Point Picture: NT GOVERNMENT
THE NT Government will build a “playground precinct” to replace its planned museum at Myilly Point after scrapping the $50 million project last year.
The government yesterday released a tender to design and build the playground, which will include play equipment, a skating area and an ibisshaped “bin chicken” shade structure.
The new project is listed in the budget papers as coming in at a far more modest $3 million. In calling for expressions of interest, Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said the new project would “support more than 15 local jobs”.
“We understand how important Myilly Point is for many Territorians and these works aim to complement and enhance the usability of this key public space — providing an attractive family friendly park for all to enjoy,” she said.
Myilly Point includes the site of notorious Aboriginal internment camp the Kahlin Compound.
Ms Lawler said the project would allow for restoration works that would “acknowledge the history and cultural significance of the site”.
Member for Port Darwin Paul Kirby said the park would be welcomed by his constituents.
“As the local member I’ve been pushing for some time to upgrade and activate Myilly Point and it is exciting that the people of Port Darwin and the northern suburbs will soon be able to use the reserve as a space to enjoy fun, recreational activities,” he said.
“This project will provide the local community with an attractive park to enjoy, while still allowing for any iconic Territory statement on the site when the opportunity presents.”
A tentative design was released with the tender but Ms Lawler said that could change at the successful bidder.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September with the playground to be operation by February next year.
Treasurer Nicole Manison offered the Alice Springs Town Council up to $5m for Anzac Oval but this is likely to be withdrawn because Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced “consideration will need to be given to the future” of the National Aboriginal Art Gallery for which the oval was needed.
Ms Manison has not responded to a request yesterday from the Alice Springs News Online for information about her negotiations with the council but we have learned that her letter to the council contained the following:-
“The land has a current compensation value of $3.6m comprising of the land value and disturbance costs.
“Alice Springs Town Council could propose compensation for acquiring Lot 678 (the Anzac Oval) that could be in the form of a land exchange, monetary payment, provision of infrastructure works, or a combination of these options, that would enable the council to deliver further priority projects for the people of Alice Springs.
“Government would be willing to negotiate the above compensation value for the fair purchase of the site up to the total value of $5m,” Ms Manison wrote.
“This would be conditional o the [council] utilising the additional funds over and above the compensation value for projects that would activate the CBD.
“Activation projects may include infrastructure that links to the Anzac precinct such as walkways and lighting, or other agreed projects that would directly benefit the people of Alice Springs …
“In addition to the above government will fund the construction of a new rugby facility.”
Meanwhile Mayor Damien Ryan has not responded to questions from the News about the possible cancellation of the gallery project.
We emailed him early this morning: “The 10 signatories of the letter rejecting the Anzac precinct site have made it clear they are supporting the concept of the gallery in Alice Springs, just not in that location.
Like the lyric from the classic Australian band Mental as Anything the Asti Motel site continues to haunt the residents of Larrakeyah.
Joondanna Investments Pty Limited have applied via Northern Planning Consultants Pty Ltd to develop the Asti Motel Site in Larrakeyah. The public comment period closes 3 May 2019.
Part 2 Section 4.0 Planning and Principles Framework
The interpretation of this Planning Scheme and the determinations of a consent authority must have regard to the planning principles and the relevant framework drawings (as may be the case) contained in this Part and ensure that a use or development or proposed use or development is consistent with them
4.1 (e) promote urban/ building design which is climatically appropriate, water and energy efficient and contributes to the existing and future character and appearance of an area;
4.1 (a) ii the appropriate integration of new residential development taking account of the lifestyle and character of established areas;
4.1 (f) ensuring amenity is enhanced as a result of development
4.2 (e) ... contribute to the amenity enjoyed by residents ...
These buildings degrade the surrounding area by being out of character with existing buildings and open space.
3.0 Definitions “amenity” in relation to a locality or building, means any quality, condition or factor that makes or contributes to making the locality or building harmonious, pleasant or enjoyable;
This application has not addressed amenity.
Redundant waivers
The submission relies on previous waivers. None of those waivers have any currency due to having expired.
Traffic
No current traffic impact assessment has been carried out. The last assessment was done in 2014. Combined with the car parking shortfall the local streets of Packard Place and Montoro Court could have an additional 240 cars traversing them day and night. The affected streets are not wide enough for two cars to park and one car to traverse. Already there is overflow parking on these streets from existing residential properties. A possible solution is to one way traffic in and out of the site.
NOTE: There are many examples of street bottle necking available in Darwin after years of development waivers.
Building height.
Larrakeyah is not Central Business and building height should stay appropriate to the zoning. The application advises that building outside of zone limits are a positive factor. By requesting buildings higher than the original site surrounding properties are to loose significant amenity through the change of building height and density. The limit in the area is 8 storeys which these buildings clearly are not.
Compatible with surrounding use.
The submission uses the proximity to the CBD as rational for the size and density of the use. As noted in the submission Larrakeyah and this site are NOT in the CBD. No waiver should be applied for being near a zone.
Car parking
The submission notes that it will be 22 car parks short. The addition of these cars into the surrounding area is clearly adding to the dangerous amount of cars that use Smith Street and surrounding streets. The current crop of tall apartments have overflow parking issues currently. Allowing a developer to contribute to that problem is an impost on the residents. Again the submission uses the fallacy that if the site was in Central Business the parking rules would be different. It is clear that claiming that the local street network could accommodate more overflow parking shows that no recent study of the area has been carried out. They are relying on the 2013 approvals for this logic. Since than some tall building have gone in close to the site.
Setback
Previously the setback requirement for the building adjacent to Smith Street has been waived three times. Modern design principals frown on the reduction of amenity by building up to the street verge. Darwin now has many sections of street paths with multi story solid walls, no awnings or street planting. Larrakeyah in particular is seeing an increase.
Intent
To date this site has been a construction site for 6 years. During that time some work was done on remediation of the site being that the pit has some fill. Applying for rolling development approvals has seriously degraded the amenity of the location and Smith Street which is a primary link down the spine of the city has had an eye sore for many years.
Open Space
With the future of the Old Hospital site uncertain it would be appropriate for this site to have open park space.
Design Quality
Recently the standards required by NSW apartment guidelines have been accepted into discussion on acceptable development in the Northern Territory https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Housing/Apartment-Design-Guide This submission falls low on such a measure of quality. In short this submission fails to deliver better quality design for buildings that respond appropriately to the character of the area, landscape setting and surrounding built form.
THE old Asti Motel site in Darwin will be transformed to a two-storey public housing development, aiming to help alleviate the Territory’s significant housing problems.
The $40 million project will be headed by developer Peter La Pira of Joondana Investments — the owners of the Palmerston Shopping Centre.
Housing Minister Gerry McCarthy said “social housing head leasing aims to increase the number of public housing options available to low-income Territorians, seniors and people living with a disability — stock that currently does not exist”.
“Currently, one bedroom and three-bedroom homes are our highest in demand,” he said.
“This build will deliver a number of one-bedroom units to address the wait list and allow for single tenants living in large homes to downsize to their needs — freeing up larger houses for Territory families.”
Please consider what you have learnt from previous government efforts in the city. As usual it is just common sense that is required …
This is closing today, so please get your skates on.
Regards
Nick Kirlew
Convener
Dear Friends,
Here we are again, on the last day another 'NTG Have Your Say Consultation’. It is due to go in to the NT Planning Commission.
My aim here has been toastier quickly as possible provide what I see as an overview of the CDAP proposal, and suggest some possible comments and questions you might possibly choose from if you are submitting today, or over the weekend.
Email any submissions to: ’This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..au’. Hope this helps !
1. INTRODUCTION
This one is called the Central Darwin Area Plan Stage 2, and it is very important as a proposed framework for the future planning of Central Darwin, or the CBD, and the area around it.
The information, and earlier versions are to be found on the internet at : 'NT Planning Commission’ in the section headed 'Central Darwin Area Plan’.
In this we are being asked to look and comment upon the DRAFT CENTRAL AREA PLAN (22.1mb)-62 pages, and as background the DRAFT NEEDS ASSESSMENT.
2. AREA PLANS
As you probably know the NT Planning Commission has, for there last few years been busy preparing AREA PLANS as future models for various areas of the NT.
What it has not told you is that these are indicative and not binding. However, developers and sometimes the DCA seem to count them as gospel, and this has caused a lot of headaches for the community.
This is because their central core is based on commercial activity centres and how to render them viable with adjacent denser residential clusters. This is the essential pattern.
3.‘COMPACT' PLANNING THROUGH THE NT PLANNING SCHEME (NTPS)
Another important factor in tis CDAP is that it is dominated by the COMPACT POLICY of development imposed upon us by David Tollner as Planning Minister in the dying days of the CLP Government.
This is a southern cities policy crowding populations close to activity centres, theoretically to avoid the urban sprawl issues that cause worrisome problem. In the southern capitals, but not here in our open tropical frontier.
Obviously this is commercially beneficial for developers, but … is it the right thing here ?
4.THE CDAP DOCUMENTS
These documents are well set out, with introductions and maps, explaining various planning themes as they apply to the central area covered, and then addressing what are identified as parts of the centre area overdue for change, as FOCUS points.
This is quite informative, with issues such as heat addressed. The Draft Central Area plan document consists of 62 pages, including FOCUS POINTS.
The idea is that comments coming in at this round will be considered in the draft, and then the new document will be recommended to the Minister to be endorsed through the NT Planning Commission processes. This of course will have serious implications for the future of Darwin.
5. COMMENTS AND RESERVATIONS
The problem about simply supporting this Draft Central Darwin Area Plan is that it reads like a fairy story, and that everything will come out well for us.
The history of the last twenty five years shows that we cannot expect it to come out rosy in terms of planning for the community, because it has never has in the past.
That is why we need to make some relevant points and questions now as strongly as possible. These are but a few of the concerned.
6.COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS THAT COULD BE USEFULLY ASKED AT THIS STAGE
A FEW SAMPLES FOR YOUR OWN SUBMISSIONS.
6.1 What future year is the CDAP based upon for its fruition?
6.2The commentary offered by the CDAP is too reassuring when compared with what has happened in the past.
6.3Where is there a wholesome support for heritage? Historically this is not true. How would the planners achieve this counter to NTG policy in the CBD?
6.4 Aboriginal sympathies are indicated theoretically, but not in the case of One Mile Dam
6.5Why did the planning team not meet with the residents of One Mile Dam.
6.6Where are the extra parks to support the accelerated population growth envisaged by this CDAP. Car parks with trees are not walkable parks.
6.7Why has green space been lost in the building of Barneson Boulevard? What benefit is there?
6.8When and how will the devastation caused by the construction of Barneson Boulevard be eradicated.
6.9There are inconsistencies between various parts of the document, eg. The broad descriptions of the PO site as generally educational and civic when elsewhere
A Council Chamber indicated without its name being exposed.
6.10The artist's impressions all over Central Darwin illustrations cause great concern
Nick
6.11Pediments and greening buildings does nothing to improve urban design at a street level.
6.12 There is no substitute for a living environment. What barriers will be established for no more loss of living environment?
6.13There are too many options listed for the land uses of many of the FOCUS sites, like the Tank Farm eg. Sport and residential. Options are too open.
6.14Specific use development zones should be avoided.
6.15Mixed use zoning has been overused
6.16 One CDAP for the whole are is not sufficient. There are areas of different character
6.17Use of foreshores by the public must be protected.
6.18Flag Staff Park at the end of Myilly Point is zoned for the public. In the media it was promised to the public by Chief Minister Clare Martin when she was elected.
6.19There should be no housing on the Old Hospital site. The public has waited a generation.
6.20The existing Area Plan at the Waterfront should be honoured that so that there is a public park on the foreshore in front of the Luxury Hotel, not just access.
6.21Heritage listed Hughes Avenue and Goyder Park should not be overlooked by an unnecessary Sky Walk.
6.22 Little Mindil should come back to the people as an open space. It was never intended for development.
6.23The public must be consulted before any significant new developments are progressed.
6.24There should be no building in front of the Darwin Escarpment at the Waterfront because it spoils the image of Darwin as cruise ships arrive.
6.25 CBD buildings should have setbacks at street level.
6.26 Buildings in Smith Street should be made to honour setbacks consistent with Marrakai.
6.27As the public was not involved in the City Deal arrangements, it is not implicit that these proposed developments have their approval.
6.28Work should be initiated to improve the entrance to Darwin along the Stuart Highway.
6.29The Botanic Gardens should be expended, and THE Gardens conflicts resolved.
6.30 The NT Planning Scheme COMPACT POLICY should be suspended in view of the current population changes.
6.31 Affordable Housing should be initiated in the core CBD
6.32Work should begin on consolidating small lots in the Core CBD with absentee landlords.
Protect NT Incorporated invite you to join us for a ban fracking rally at Parliament House at 12 noon on Sunday, February 10th.
Protect NT is an independent community group that was incorporated last September by Territorians determined to protect our land, water, climate and lifestyle. We consider onshore shale oil and gas fracking to be one of the greatest risks the NT currently faces and are determined to see it permanently banned.
The Northern Territory Legislative Assembly will be having their first sittings on February 12th. The last rally to ban fracking was almost a year ago, so it’s past time to remind our MLA’s that Territorians still want fracking banned in the NT. This rally will be the first of many actions planned by Protect NT Inc for 2019.
We would be grateful if you could please let your members, supporters and networks know about the rally. We need a strong start the year if we are to ban fracking before drilling resumes in mid-2019.
1. Over the years the DHA has been developing Lee Point, successively working northwards, first with Lyons, and then with Muirhead. It is now in the process of developing the last available northern parts, on either side of Lee Point Road.
2.DHA is an agency of the Commonwealth Department of Defence, and its brief is to build housing for defence families who are stationed in various bases around Australia.
3. It is a major developer on the Darwin scene, but uses its own guidelines. These are not always seen as suitable for sustainable tropical living.
For instance, DHA is responsible for the demolition of hundreds of naturally breeze cooled louvred elevated houses on the RAAF land at Winnellie.
4. The current NT Planning Notices at 'https://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/planning/lta.dar.list’, or Search 'Development applications on line’, includes a copy of the current DHA application (yellow shading ) for new development at Muirhead North ( blank at Lot 9730), above the already developed part of Muirhead.
It is reproduced here, and below the long established Morandini Caravan and Camping Resort. This copy here is not an active copy. The total application does not need to be studied in all aspects.
5. What we think may concern many Darwin residents is the number, and proposed size of the lots. This is why we are drawing it to your attention urgently.
Map of proposed Muirhead North development covering 51.17 hectares in total. The colours are for differentiation but are not formal zones.
The sizes are as follows:
5.1 Lots 4000 square metres (sm's), and larger (biting insects at Leanyer Swamp)) = 32 lots, or 12% of total lots.
5.2Lots 600 -700sm = 62 lots, or 24% of total lots.
5.3Lots 540 - 599sm = 56 lots, or 22% of total lots.
5.4 Lots 450 - 539sm = 110 lots, or 42% of total lots.
This means that 64% of these residential lots would be less than 599sm, with the most available homes being just 450-539sm.
6.We are extremely concerned about the suitability of these small lots for living in the tropics. There are examples of similar homes now being built on the RAAF base where you can see them crowded together, with almost no back gardens at all. Simply speaking, they are just not suitable for tropical suburbs.
As the long term future of Darwin and its families is involved we should not be limited to DHA’s first thoughts for layout in the ‘exploitation' of these rare pieces of remaining good suburban land.
They are very close together. The ‘building envelopes' provide very little space between the actual houses, and between the houses and their fences, so that there is virtually no space for trees for natural shade. No room on the lot for a boat, and very little for a barbecue with family or neighbours. Where will the children play ? Not in the street either. Street trees lining roads do not shade homes.
We are told by DHA staff that these houses must have air-conditioning to every room, making for dependence on artificial cooling, and a big added pull on Darwin's electrical generation. These are ‘solid houses’. We cannot asses ‘orientation, but the overall layout appears to limit it severely. With dependence on public transport, the roads look narrow. What about garbage trucks and deliveries.
During Prince Harry’s recent visit, we have heard a lot about PSTD, amongst defence personnel. Small house lots cannot provide separation and space when individuals, spouses, and children families need it for their mental health. Also there is nowhere for a wife to keep a guard dog, or house a big boat. There are no front fences, so that the front gardens can be enjoyed for relaxation.
7.HOW TO MAKE A SUBMISSION
Submissions become part of the public record, and are be considered by the Development Consent Authority (DCA). Anyone in the public can attend a DCA Hearing. But submitters have a right to speak.
There are several ways of making a submission in your own words, including your points, and name and address, and make a copy of it to keep.
7.1 An easy way is to go into the live online NT Planning Notices (www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/planning') above, and send it by clicking ‘Make Submission’ at the bottom the relevant online map.
7.2 Another is to compose a submission to The Director, Development Assessment Services, and send it by email to:
‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’ OR. ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.'
7.3If you are submitting a hard copy, it must be posted in time to:
The Director,
Development Assessment Services,
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics,
GPO Box 1680,
Darwin, NT 0801
7.4 OR Hand deliver by 4pm on 9 November, 2018 to the counter at the First Floor, Energy House, 18-20 Cavenagh Street, Darwin.
8.VERY IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL NOTE
It is important that many people now make submissions, however short, on this application for the subdivision of lots at Muirhead North, as outlined above.
This is especially important because, when the parallel DHA subdivision application for the over 500 lots, on 132 hectares, on the sea side of Lee Point Road, was public exhibited last year, from 1 December to 15 December, 2017, that it is at Darwin’s holiday time, only one submission was received.
We need your help to demonstrate that people are committed to consultation, and that their views need to be heard and taken seriously.,
It is PLan’s view that the application for the first subdivision (2CRU) must be re-exhibited to allow a proper consultation processes. The public is currently unaware of major issues there.
DHA has kept the development quiet.
The 2CRU site has additional considerations to be addressed in relation to the land clearing, the impact on Casuarina Coastal Coastal Reserve, the proposed 2X12 storey buildings in a tourist precinct, and the need, or otherwise for a neighbourhood development. This is a beautiful piece of land which demands respect if it is to be cleared.
Perhaps you will agree that the ‘forgotten application' should be re-exhibited in the first half of 2019. Many cannot see the current Darwin urgency for the development of 700 new lots at Lee Point, and that it may be better to have an attitude to wait and see.
Why does bushland have to be cleared when the Property Council of the NT’s ‘accurate’ assessment of vacant residential land found ‘more than 5,300 blocks’ likely to be available (NT News September 19, 2018)? 500 of these residential lots will be created when the bush opposite Lee Point Resort is cleared by Defence Housing.
Defence Housing’s Environmental Impact Statement says they will build ‘much needed affordable housing’. How can it be ‘much needed’ when the Property Council says we are in ‘heavy over-supply’?
This part of Lee Point is currently not a home for people, but it’s far from vacant. It is home to many native animals and birds. Endangered Black-footed Tree-Rats den in the hollows of the big trees. Next door to the proposed suburb are migratory birds, just back from the Arctic Circle feeding on the beaches. Red-tailed Black Cockatoos use the trees for roosts and food. Why displace these creatures and this bush, when we clearly don’t need more land for houses?
There is an over-supply of places for people to live, but animals and birds are losing habitat every day. How about building on truly vacant land, then and only then clearing some of what’s left?
URGENT CALL OUT Closing Date midnight Friday, 24 August, 2018 - more details below.
BACKGROUND
1. At present there is, on the internet, on the 'NT Planning Notices/development applications online' an Exceptional Development Application (EDP).
This is to allow a second building, and a subdivision, on an SD (Single dwelling zoned lot, and would not normally be allowed. This is Brinkin Lot 8857, at 7 Brinkin Terrace. The present size of the lot is 1200sm. Thus the subdivision would be a ‘dual occupancy’ resulting in two 600sm lots.
2. Planning is based on zoning, using appropriate types of land for particular uses. Zones have different colours on maps. Compatible uses are arranged close to one another, and vice versa. Land ‘lots' vary in size with their intended appropriate uses.
3. Brinkin is a respected, well planned and established suburb, with a range of residential uses separated into different sections.
This application is to subdivide one of the largest standard lots (1200sm) near the foreshore. Here big impressive homes and gardens are characteristic.
SOME ISSUES
4.1 'The NT Planning Scheme at Clause 5.1 (1) states that the primary purpose of Zone SD is to provide single dwellings on individual lots.’ ...
[Note: 'Undefined uses are prohibited in this zone.’]
4.2 The lots in this part of Brinkin being of a similar size - over 1000sm, to cut one in half, and build on it would change the character of this part of the suburb.
4.3 Most SD’s in the whole Northern Suburbs are 800sm, or more.
4.4 One subdivision/dual occupancy here would start a precedent on similar lots which is not supported by the NT Planning Scheme, and does not have its endorsement. This could ultimately cause difficulties with infrastructure, and social impact.
4.5 The application is not in the public interest. Except for the immediate neighbours who were asked directly for their support, many do not support the proposed subdivision believing the lots would be too small for their environment. This is shown by the advertising signs on nearby homes.
Their signs say: "LET US PRESERVE WHAT WE HAVE"
4.6 It is often said that planning should provide certainty. This is spot rezoning which does not fit any standard model - two anomalies.
4.7 Approving the application would almost certainly lower property values on Brinkin Terrace and Kuru Court. Since Brinkin is regarded as one of the best real estate ‘locations' in Darwin, a similar response could be expected with such densification of lots, in Hibernia, and/or Claymore.
4.8 Big established gardens and space, particularly handsome large front setbacks, contribute much to the impressive streetscape, character and amenity of Brinkin. In contrast at no. 7, the streetscape and the two lots would be crowded.
4.9 It is expected that the amenity in the adjacent lot in rear, on Claymore would be adversely affected.
4.10 SD’s are usually presumed to be family homes. If there is to be rented commercially to several entities, difficulties with parking can be expected. Especially if there is provision only for no more than two off road parking spaces for each of the two SD’s.
4.11 Many local residents are not happy with how the application might affect them.
4.12 PLEASE NOTE: The NT Planning Scheme does not support ' Dual Occupancy ‘ as type of development.
[After a period for public consideration under an Interim Order by Minister Manison, NT Planning Scheme Amendment 483 of 6.10.2017, was issued. It deleted the provisions that would have allowed dual occupancy on Zone SD (Single Dwelling residential) lots.]
5. Submitting information
Closing Date Midnight Friday, 24 August, 2018
For personal emails use a pdf, and address to:
The Manager, Urban Planning, Development Assessment Services This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’
OR if you prefer it:
The full details of the application Exceptional Development Application(EDP) are at 'NT Planning Notices/development applications online’ with a download.
There is a place there to submit your submission electronically, but it is a good idea to copy it before you send it.
Attachment below is a copy of a Letter to the Leader of the Opposition. This amendment gives the NT Planning Commission power over the NT Planning Scheme, and reduces the public and local government's right to comment on proposed changes.
Below is Plan's media release after the bill was passed. This was passed on the last day of the Parliament, in spite of being opposed by the Opposition.
The Gardens is a small suburb almost hidden between the Botanic Gardens and the Stuart Highway. A tight nit community has chosen to live here, supposedly out of harms way. They are now literally campaigning to save their community from destruction by high rise development. On Saturday 30 August, about 100 of them rallied close to the proposed site. Lot 7820 is at the corner of Blake Street and Gardens Hill Crescent (look it up in a directory if you don't know where).
A yellow sign alerted them to a Planning Notice for the following:
To rezone Lot 7820 Town of Darwin (4 Blake Street from Zone CP(Community Purpose) to a Specific Use Zone
This means there has been an application for a lot officially zoned for a community use to be rezoned for the construction of a development. In this case, the ultimate objective is to build two nine storey apartment buildings which would be totally out of character with the suburban area. It has a mix single detached dwellings, and modest one to two storey town houses, perhaps with the odd three storey.
Full details of the proposal, and how to object, are under 'Details of Proposed Planning Scheme Amendments'.on the internet at 'NT Planning Notices', or 'One Stop Shop NT'.
Closing date for objections is 12 September 2014
The decision is to be made by the minister for Planning after a hearing by the Development Consent Authority at which all objectors can attend and speak. Local residents are objecting strongly to the prospect of Community Purposes land being taken for development, and see this as the 'thin end of the wedge' for the complete destruction of their much loved suburb and community which they have invested in, and call home.
THE GARDENS COMMUNITY would welcome more objections based focussed on the use of Community Purposes zoned land for residential densification. (See also more details below).
There is a email address for supporters to contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The new Australian Fighter Aircraft will be the F35A LIGHTNING II. Details of the Environmental Impact Statement(EIS), other relevant information, and comments will be at www.f35evolution.com.au.
Pitch Black Air Exercises 2014
There will be aircraft noise during PITCH BLACK quite separately. This has a major disrupting effect on parts of Darwin, which affected people may want to minimise. People have asked at least for a timetable, and monitors at various parts of Darwin to record sound levels.
Complaints may be made to the Air Services website.
Reports about all types of air noise complaints can be found here. Very few complaints have so far come from Darwin.
The NT Planning Commission now has on exhibition a copy of the Draft Darwin Regional Land Use. This is the next stage on from the Towards a Darwin Regional land Use PLan, and is supposed to reflect the consultation on that document. The plan is the big picture future plan. The Commissioner Gary Nairn has commented that the plan does not look very different, but the noters with it contain a lot of information for consideration.
The Northern Territory Government, via the NT PLanning Commission, has at last put together a draft proposal about the OLD HOSPITAL SITE/MYILLY POINT/FLAGSTAFF PARK/KAHLIN.
Unfortunately it proposes that over 60% of the land would be taken up by residential development 'to pay for' making green open space available. Not really appropriate when it is all crown land which we already own, and support through out taxes. I do not know where our government's have got this concept of charging us twice for what is ours, and what has been neglected for years. (The ALP had proposed a 20% to 80% public balance, which was bad enough).
WAY BACK IN 2001, CHIEF MINISTER CLARE MARTIN PROMISED FLAGSTAFF PARK, AT THE END OF MYILLY POINT, TO THE COMMUNITY, BUT IT WAS NEVER IMPLEMENTED.
More useful details for members who want to express an opinion to the NTG by the cut off date 11 June, 2014, will find more detailed information at Territory Planning Commission
Feel free to make your own posted submission if you want to say more than the online response seems to allow. Your opinion is important.
Our valued volunteers man the office Thursday afternoon between 1pm and 5.30pm. We are located at 8/1 Buffalo Court, Darwin.
Contact
Post: GPO Box 2513, Darwin, NT, 0801
Phone: 08 8927 1999
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
By ERWIN CHLANDA
Hi to all the friends and supporters of BirdLife Top End,
The NT Government is calling for comments on the current Planning Review. Before you move right along consider this; This proposed house at Claymore Circuit Brinkin was passed un challenged by NT gov 
Like the lyric from the classic Australian band Mental as Anything the Asti Motel site continues to haunt the residents of Larrakeyah.
THE old Asti Motel site in Darwin will be transformed to a two-storey public housing development, aiming to help alleviate the Territory’s significant housing problems.
