The Northern Land Council has criticised Federal Environment Minister Tania Plibersek’s decision to not protect Binybara (Lee Point) in Darwin and has called for an independent inquiry into unlawful land clearing carried out by Defence Housing Australia.

Despite protest from the Larrakia peoples, initial land clearing works began last month.

“The decision that Minister Plibersek made over Binybara is upsetting,” NLC chairman Matthew Ryan said.

“The Larrakia deserve better in 2024. Our politicians need to listen to their voice and support Larrakia Traditional Owners’ call for an independent
inquiry.

“The DHA’s stopping works to allow for their own investigation does not go far enough.

“Our Council believes there needs to be a good look into the land clearing, and this needs to be one that everyone can trust.”

In November last year and in February this year, the NLC provided submissions in support of Kevin ‘Tibby’ Quall’s application to protect a specified area of Binybara under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984.

In March, the Environment Minister made her decision to not make a declaration under the Act, meaning Mr Quall’s application, did not succeed and Defence Housing Australia’s housing development could proceed.