The campaign to save the coastal Binybara/Lee Point site from being destroyed for a Defence Housing Australia (DHA) project continues.
The Larrakia First Nations people are fighting to protect Binybara, an area significant to the Dangalaba clan, which DHA wants for its expensive, largely private, homes.
Jess Black, from the Environment Centre Northern Territory, told Green Left on August 15 that the Lee Point project is the “privatisation of public land” as around 80% of the proposed housing would be private.
DHA’s project, approved in 2015, would “destroy priceless native vegetation, including 400-year-old trees, and threaten the survival of endangered species such as the gouldian finch, if this project goes ahead,” she said.
“Binybara/Lee Point is one of the last remaining biodiversity corridors in Darwin city. For Larrakia people, the area has immense cultural significance.”
Black said the campaigners are optimistic: they have stopped the destruction for more than 18 months. “Binybara camp stood for 35 days; the space is now maintained with signs and a stall publicising the issue.”
Friends of Lee Point (FLP) described the area as “an irreplaceable asset” as it “contains over half of Casuarina Coastal Reserve” and attracts more than 1 million visits annually.
FLP said housing at Lee Point is “unnecessary”. They pointed out that it would lead to traffic congestion; higher carbon dioxide emissions; considerable loss of habitat and wildlife; and significant costs to the taxpayer.
“Much better housing options exist, which fit the Australian Government’s Smart Cities Plan. We need your support to make this happen.”
[For more information visit the Save Lee Point campaign page.]