Defence Housing Australia Fined for Unlawful Land Clearing at Lee Point

Strategic Insights -

A Commonwealth-owned defence housing company has been fined $18,780 for unlawfully clearing land at a popular birdwatching area on the outskirts of Darwin, sparking concerns over the impact on threatened species and cultural heritage. The project, which involves building a residential housing complex for military personnel and their families, has faced opposition from environmentalists and some Larrakia people due to the risks posed to cultural heritage and threatened species, including the Gouldian Finch. Defence Housing Australia (DHA) resumed bulldozing trees at the site in April last year, following a court order that led to multiple arrests and sparked claims of unlawful land clearing. The company has stated that it takes compliance matters seriously and is committed to ensuring strict adherence with approvals across all development projects.

Key Takeaways:

  • Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has been fined $18,780 for unlawfully clearing land at Lee Point in Darwin, in breach of environmental approvals.
  • The land clearing relates to an area outside of the approved stage of development, with the company clearing less than 1 hectare of land.
  • The controversial housing development has faced opposition from environmentalists and some Larrakia people due to the risks posed to cultural heritage and threatened species, including the Gouldian Finch.
  • Australian Conservation Foundation lead investigator Annica Schoo has expressed frustration that the land was unlawfully cleared in the first place, describing the housing development as "one of the most controversial" in Australia.
  • Environment Centre NT executive director Kirsty Howey has stated that the fine is "little more than a slap on the wrist" and highlights the need for reform of environmental laws.
  • The project has faced significant delays in recent years, including a 12-month pause in 2022 while the environment minister assessed the project's impact on the endangered Gouldian Finch.

Statistics:

  • USD 18,780 - the fine issued to DHA for unlawful land clearing at Lee Point.
  • 1 hectare - the area of land cleared outside of the approved stage of development.
  • 30 April to 2 May 2024 - the dates when DHA cleared the land outside of the relevant stage boundary.
  • 12 months - the period of time when DHA paused works in 2022 while the environment minister assessed the project's impact on the endangered Gouldian Finch.

Sources:

  • Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
  • "Defence Housing Australia fined for clearing land at Lee Point" by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 24 February 2023.
  • Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)
  • Environment Centre Northern Territory (ECNT)
  • Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water