Defence Housing Australia - Lee Point

Question

1. Has Defence Housing Australia met all conditions of its EPBC Act approval for the Lee Point development, including securing approved offsets for the Gouldian Finch and Black-footed Tree Rat? (a) If not, identify all outstanding conditions, expected timeframes for compliance (b) whether construction will commence prior to their completion. (c) Provide all relevant documentation. 2. Has Defence Housing Australia obtained all required approvals under Northern Territory cultural heritage legislation? (a) If not, does Defence Housing Australia intend to commence construction prior to the finalisation of those approvals, including the current application involving Mr Tibby Quall? (b) Provide any advice, risk assessments, and internal briefings supporting this position. 3. DHA staff member Brendan O'Brien said at a City of Darwin Council meeting on 24 February 2026 that despite the legal case underway ''we're going to commence construction, no matter what the outcome... There will be a project there, and we are committed to getting on with that project this financial year.'' (a) Is it the official position of Defence Housing Australia that construction would proceed ''no matter what the outcome'' of the cultural heritage process? (b) Provide all internal communications, briefs, and decision-making documents relating to this position. 4. Provide the most recent versions of all offset plans for the Gouldian Finch and Black-footed Tree Rat, including submission dates, approval status, and any feedback from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, along with any analysis demonstrating the adequacy of proposed offsets. 5. Following the unlawful clearing at Lee Point in 2024, what investigations, findings, disciplinary actions, compliance changes, and remediation activities have been undertaken by Defence Housing Australia? (a) Provide all reports, monitoring data, and timelines (b) What processes have been adopted to ensure no further unlawful clearing occurs? 6. Of the total dwellings proposed at Lee Point, how many will be allocated to Defence personnel versus private sale, what proportion will be affordable housing, and what is the projected financial return to Defence Housing Australia? Provide all modelling or analysis supporting these figures. 7. Have any lots already been advertised or sold?

Answer

Please see the attached answer.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• SQ26-000780.pdf (opens in a new tab)