The firm responsible for a contentious proposed residential project in Darwin’s countryside, which faced rejection because of community disapproval, has reintroduced its application to construct numerous houses on ex-pastoral territory.
The Melbourne-based property developer Intrapac Property has sent a letter to Planning Minister Josh Burgoyne asking for changes to the Northern Territory’s planning regulations to permit a new project called the Lloyd Creek Rural Village.
The plan involves constructing approximately 4,000 houses on a location situated south of Humpty Doo, which is a rural suburban region located 36 kilometers south of Darwin, within an area presently designated for agricultural use.
It comes as the NT capital, like many Australian cities, is facing an ongoing shortage of housing, with a recent report
indicating that the city's rental vacancy rate stands at merely 0.6 percent
— significantly lower than the national average.
The CEO of Intrapac, Maxwell Shifman, stated that his concept for Lloyd Creek aligns with that distinctive local, rural charm.
"What we aim to achieve here is introduce some new housing designs and land sizes that haven't been seen in the area for quite a while—essentially reviving that kind of local, tropical-style homes but with somewhat bigger lots," he explained.
In 2014, Intrapac Property suggested an additional project on the identical piece of land—a district named Noonamah Ridge—which was set to include 4,200 residences.
The proposal was turned down by ex-planning minister Eva Lawler in 2020, following
objections raised by residents and the previous local Member of Parliament, Kezia Purick.
Mr Shifman said the new plan for Lloyd Creek Rural Village responded to previous community concern about potential impacts on the local rural lifestyle, and now proposed housing connected to town water instead of bores.
"We've now got the Strauss Water Treatment Plant that's under construction and we'll be able to tap in and deliver potable water to the site, so that takes up one of the key criticisms of the proposal," Mr Shifman said.
The application also said the rural village's proposed land offerings would range from about a quarter-acre up to five acres, with no more than 1.5 dwellings per hectare on most of the site.
Nevertheless, within two denser areas referred to as "rural activity centres" in the proposal, this figure might rise up to 10 residences per hectare.
A lot of people living nearby reside on significantly bigger plots of land.
Opposition to development remains
Ms Purick stated that the suggested Lloyd Creek village was not suitable for the countryside setting and vowed to back other residents who were restarting their opposition campaign against the plan.
"They own livestock, engage in farming, and cultivate mango orchards among other things, which involves various activities," she explained.
Small, urbanized lots directly opposite your location will result in cultural clashes. This is certain.
“If Intrapac is really interested in establishing a presence in the area, they should reach out to the Northern Territory government to discuss developing Weddell, as significant portions of essential infrastructure are already set up there.”
Weddell — a suggested satellite city located 30 kilometers south of Darwin — has been
identified as a possible development since 1984.
In 2009, Labor intended to create Weddell when they were in office. However, after the Country Liberal Party assumed control in 2012, they put an end to this initiative.
In reply, Mr Shifman stated that his firm was not in competition with Weddell.
"It presents quite a distinct proposition. Weddel would require major improvements to its infrastructure prior to becoming operational," he stated.
It isn’t just about having land available and then developing it.
Intrapac's submission to the government is open for public comment until May 16.
When asked about his support for the proposal, Mr Burgoyne stated that "it is crucial for consultation processes to complete their journey to make sure community expectations are fulfilled."
"I committed to rebuilding the territory’s economy, and as the minister overseeing thePlanning Act and NT Planning Scheme, I won’t dismiss any project proposals prematurely until we have thoroughly reviewed all available information and gathered essential feedback," he stated.
Intrapac predicts that the development of the Lloyd Creek Rural Village will contribute approximately $3.5 billion to the Northern Territory’s economy throughout the construction period and generate roughly 300 long-term employment opportunities.
Comments
Post a Comment