This year the new Northern Territory Government have defunded PLan, for many years both CLP and ALP governments have assisted with our modest operational costs. But now no more.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/plan-the-planning-action-network-has-been-defunded

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.

Can you help? Thx Nick

Regards,

Nick Kirlew

Convener PLan: the Planning Action Network Inc

0447 499 794

Web: https://www.planinc.org.au

02/03/2025, 15:13

Northern Territory News

FUNDING CUT ‘HUGE’ LOSS TO

TERRITORY

THOMAS MCLEAN

Government funding has been ended for the Northern Territory’s

Planning

Action Network (PLan), a 30-year-old volunteer community group often

outspoken about government and council legislation relating to

infrastructure developments.

For nearly three decades, PLan’s operational costs – rent, utilities and

insurance – have been supported by the NT government of the day,

regardless of the party.

But after years of support, funds are now being withdrawn, according to a

letter sent to the organisation by the Lands, Planning and Environment

Minister Josh Burgoyne on February 26.

In the letter, Mr Burgoyne said he thought the existing provisions in the

Planning Act 1999 were already strong enough and ensured appropriate

consultation and input were included in planning schemes.

He then cited budget limitations and the government’s focus on rebuilding

the economy, before rejecting the organisation’s request for an

operational grant of $25,000 and wishing it success in the future.

PLan convener Nick Kirlew said defunding the group, which was founded

in 1995, would be a “huge” loss for the Territory.

“The planning department needs to understand what the community

thinks about certain projects, and we’re here to represent those views;

without funding, we can’t continue service the community,” he said.

“It could mean less input into planning decisions, leading to

developments that don’t serve the people.

“If anyone wants to help, now is the time.” Mr Kirlew said the group was a

key voice.

To support the organisation, visit its GoFundMe, which has so far raised

about $1200, here:

https://GoFundMe/ad5916c0

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