The fight for Lee Point is ongoing and there’s still so much left to save.
Although sections of savanna woodland within the proposed housing development area have been cleared, so much precious habitat remains intact, and we’re concerned that the bulldozers may descend on Lee Point again in the coming Dry Season.
AN EPIC CAMPAIGN
It’s been nearly four years since Gouldian finches flew into Lee Point/Binybara and put a stop to a controversial for-profit development by Defence Housing Australia (DHA), unfortunately situated alongside a precious nature reserve and Darwin’s last biodiversity corridor.
Gouldian finches are beautiful, colourful birds that are native to northern Australia but are rarely seen in Darwin.
Their highly publicised arrival in May 2022 delighted thousands of local and international birdwatchers and forced then Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to assess the impact the development could have on threatened species like Gouldian finches and black-footed tree rats.
LEGAL CHALLENGES
Since DHA began bulldozing in 2023, it has been ordered to stop work four times, due to the incredible efforts of Larrakia Traditional Owners and devoted community members.
In July 2023, Danggalaba Kulumbirigin clan challenged the Federal Environment Minister under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act and this led to a nine-month pause on works. However, the minister signed off on the clearing works, allowing the destruction of more woodland in 2024.
In January 2024, Senior Larrakia Elder of the Danggalaba Kulumbirigin clan, Tibby Quall, launched a legal challenge in the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).
The Tribunal ruled that the NT Heritage Council failed to consult with Tibby when it granted DHA approval to ‘disturb and remove’ 10 Aboriginal archaeological objects at Lee Point.
The tribunal also ruled that DHA cannot work at Lee Point until a major legal challenge from Mr Quall has been determined, with proceedings still underway.
On 20 February 2026, the Friends of Lee Point community will have its own NTCAT hearing, after alleging that DHA breached its development permit in several ways. Head along to Darwin NTCAT in Casuarina on Friday 20 February to show your support.
Senior Larrakia Elder of the Danggalaba Kulumbirigin clan, Tibby Quall
THE BULLDOZERS COULD RETURN
Although legal challenges have currently put a stop to work, DHA has been quietly ticking off further approvals for the development.
DHA’s offset plan for the endangered black-footed tree rat was approved in 2025, sparking outrage from conservation groups and community members.
These plans essentially put a dollar value on destroying endangered species habitat – and, in this case, DHA is required to spend just $78,750 to supposedly compensate for the loss of this habitat.
Black-footed tree-rats are listed as Endangered under both the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act and the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Under the approved plan, DHA must secure a minimum of 40ha of black-footed tree-rat habitat within 50km of Darwin City Centre to offset the loss of 10ha at the Muirhead North area of Lee Point. However, this site has yet to be identified.
Also in 2025, DHA published its approved Construction Environmental Management Plan, which is another requirement under our federal nature laws.
Today, the approval of the Gouldian finch offset plan is the last hurdle for DHA before it has everything it needs under our federal nature laws to start bulldozing again.
GET INVOLVED!
You can still stand in solidarity with the Larrakia People and the groundswell of local community members and experts who say Lee Point/Binybara is a place of immense value.
Sign our petition calling on Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to revoke DHA’s environmental approval.
Donate to support our work.
Join us for snacks and corflute painting at 10am on Sunday 15 February at ECNT’s Nightcliff space ahead of the Friend's of Lee Point NTCAT hearing.
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