Dear Editor,

The government-owned property developer, the Land Development Corporation, is seeking expressions of Interest from private developers to purchase 7 Waratah Crescent, Fannie Bay, for medium-density residential development.

The former Sports House site was zoned community purposes for more than 50 years.

In 2013, it was rezoned to medium density residential despite overwhelming community opposition. In 2014 it was transferred to the LDC and converted to freehold. Although the LDC holds the freehold title, this is still public land because the LDC is wholly owned by the Northern Territory government.

Since 2014, close to $1 million of public money has been spent demolishing Sports House and pursuing unsuccessful residential development proposals.

After years of advocacy, Southern Cross Care was finally able to secure about one-third of the original site to build its Pearl dementia care facility. The Fannie Bay community has consistently argued that the remaining land should also be used for the expansion of much-needed aged care services, not sold to a private developer.

Waratah Crescent is a narrow dead-end cul-de-sac. It’s the only access road into Pearl Aged Care and Retirement Resort.

During sporting events at Waratah Oval, every available parking space is taken. Cars line the street, spill onto the grass verges and adjoining Philip Street.

Adding hundreds more residents and cars through a medium-density residential development at 7 Waratah Crescent that may include apartment buildings would create dangerous bottlenecks for Pearl residents needing emergency services. It would also severely worsen traffic congestion for Fannie Bay residents entering and leaving Fannie Bay.

In established suburbs such as Fannie Bay, where roads, on-street parking, water, sewerage and other essential infrastructure are already at or near capacity, increasing residential density without first considering whether that infrastructure can safely accommodate more residents and vehicles is irresponsible.

Why has there been no opportunity for the Fannie Bay community to have a say before the LDC sells this public land to a private developer?

Sonja Pastor, Fannie Bay

If you want your letter to the editor published send it to ntindependent@protonmail.com. Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. We will only publish your name and suburb or town. We do reserve the right to edit the letter for length and clarity purposes. PRIVACY POLICY: You can find our privacy policy by clicking here.