The Gunner Government is seeking the public’s opinion on including the Holtze to Elizabeth River land use plan, which is central to the government creating 5000 new housing blocks and new suburbs, into the NT Planning Scheme.

Planning Minister Eva Lawler said the Northern Territory Planning Commission had prepared the final draft of the Holtze to Elizabeth River subregional land use plan, and inclusion in the planning scheme was the third of a three-stage process.

She said the land use plan covered an area including Greater 11 Mile, Greater Holtze, Virginia South-West, Archer and Mitchell West, which sit around Palmerston.

“The process which is currently underway is part of good planning that will make sure the future development complements our existing community and aligns with our Territory way of life,” she said.

In the 2021-2022 budget, the NT Government identified $1.1 million to support the release of land in Holtze and Kowandi. This development front has the potential for over 5000 lots. Headworks (for enabling infrastructure) are scheduled to commence in 2022-23, and titles available from 2026.

Ms Lawler said other aspects of the land use plan involved assessing infrastructure to support the projected increase in population, including areas earmarked for residential and rural living.

It also raises relocation options of the rail network and Darwin passenger rail terminal, and corridors for main roads, including identifying and preserving corridors out to Glyde Point and south to Weddell.

And the potential to cut down the remnant pine forest at Howard Springs north for recreational open space.

Ms Lawler said consultation would run until April 15, and you can visit the Planning Department to have your say.