There is a severe shortage of reasonably priced residential accommodation in Darwin, both for purchase and rental. This means young adults are delaying leaving home, unless their parents can help fund them, and some new arrivals may not be able to afford settling here. Parts of Darwin, and Greater Darwin are being subjected to a densification policy with some undesirable infill.
In the Meantime, Commonwealth defence has an excess of housing at the RAAF Base and at the Larrakeyah Army/Navy Base. Homes which Defence regards as sub-standard due to special criteria set by it, would happily be occupied by local residents, if made available. At Winnellie a figure of nearly 400 homes is being estimated.
Defence personnel are being sent out to suburbs like Lyons. This is affecting the economic viability of various local businesses, and Defence personnel would prefer to stay close to facilities not available at Lee Point. The sustainability of the Ludmilla Primary School is a concern.
Natasha Griggs took up the cause to make good use of the houses, by the Commonwealth Government (Warren Snowdon for Defence) has not responded to positive practical suggestions. The local member at Winnellie, Dave Tollner has established a committee to make these surplus houses available for local people.
Indications are that our Chief Minister Henderson seems willing to let these houses be wasted.’