Dear Editor,
It comes as no surprise that the NT News has come out and supported the revamped Noonamah Ridge, now Lloyd Creek, development.
So, before the public, especially residents living nearby, have had a chance to look at the new plans, they will know that the interstate developer Intrapac has got the support of the NT News.
So, what hope have the locals got if they have differing views on this development, if their local paper has picked a winner already.
The NT News showed its bias in reporting this development in Saturday’s paper by a front-page headline which said this 4,000 lot development will be a ‘game changer’ and showing a nice lake in the background.
Then on page seven, an article by Camden Smith where he interviews the Intrapac chief executive officer who highlights what a wonderful idea this development will be.
Any locals interviewed? None.
Then surprise, surprise the NT News editorial has a headline ‘Houses need to be built. Here’s hoping the 4000-lot Lloyd Creek village goes ahead’.
And to top it off, and amazingly and just coincidentally in the same paper, a half page ad promoting the Lloyd Creek village as the ‘best of both worlds’. The smooth sales talk has begun.
Where is the independence, investigation and integrity in journalism?
Why this blind obedience to this development? Why not an impartial examination of this development? Why not mention that this ‘village’ will have a population similar to Katherine, and have 1000 suburban blocks?
Why not remind readers that the last version of this development was not supported by the vast majority of local residents at meetings held at Elizabeth Valley and Acacia fire stations, and as shown in a survey.
The new proposal may be a little better than the old one, but it still puts 16,000 people in a rural area which is presently zoned for 2 ha and 8 ha blocks.
I’m sure some will say that if you object to this you are NIMBYs and are opposed to development.
But there are already large planned areas around Noonamah on the Stuart Highway which are zoned for small lot development as well as Weddell over the road which won’t interfere with the rural amenity.
That won’t get a mention in this debate. The interesting part of this debate will be, what will the two CLP local rural members say about this development? Maybe call some public meetings or will they be told by their fifth floor masters not to upset the apple cart or the hand that feeds them?
Will they fight to ‘keep rural rural’, or go quiet and support this development of convenience sadly backed by our local newspaper?
Gerry Wood, Howard Springs
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Where is the independence, investigation and integrity in journalism?
He left to be editor of the NTIndependent.
Doin’ favours for your rich mates…..it’s all the rage these days!
Keep readin’ NTI.