Dalgety Road Dongas Dumped

The Leader of the Opposition has welcomed today's decision by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority disallowing short-term accommodation proposed for Dalgety Road.

"This process has been deeply flawed from the beginning and today's decision is a major embarrassment for the Minister for Planning, Delia Lawrie,” says Ms Carney.

"Dalgety Road was never an appropriate place for dongas and had the Minister listened to the people of Alice Springs in the first instance she could have avoided this embarrassing mistake.

"Instead, the Minister chose to disregard the avalanche of public submissions opposing Dalgety Road, ignore the recommendation of the Development Consent Authority not to approve the sites and dismiss the objections of traditional owners.

"Now AAPA has overturned the decision, I strongly advise the Minister to accept that Dalgety Road isn't a suitable site for this proposal.

"Go back to drawing board Minister and this time engage in genuine consultation with the people of Alice Springs.

"The Government's ham fisted approach to most issues concerning the people of Alice Springs has got to stop.”

2007-05-16