To the Editor,

The ongoing controversy surrounding Defence Housing Australia’s project at Lee Point (Binybara) highlights a missed opportunity for Darwin.

Pushing suburban development onto one of our most ecologically intact coastal foreshore – destroying vital savanna habitat, migratory bird feeding grounds, and Larrakia cultural heritage – is unnecessary when a far superior alternative exists.

The Friends of Lee Point proposal to build at Berrimah, not Lee Point, offers a win-win solution: relocate the planned defence housing project to the Defence Establishment Berrimah site.

The DEB location consists of disused Defence land already integrated within Darwin’s central urban footprint. Building at Berrimah places housing significantly closer to existing transport corridors, employment hubs, and public infrastructure.

Crucially, a land swap allows DHA to meet its housing commitments while leaving the irreplaceable natural and cultural values of Lee Point intact for future generations. This alternative is supported by Larrakia Danggalabba traditional owners and local community advocates.

It is time for the federal government, DHA, and Northern Territory leaders to step up and support the Berrimah option. A land swap delivers the modern housing our defence personnel need without sacrificing Darwin’s environment.

Nick Kirlew, Planning Action Network convener.

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