Little Mindil Development Plans Questioned

"The battle for 'Little Mindil' is actually about whether the Martin Government has a long term urban vision for the city of Darwin,” says Terry Mills, Country Liberal Party, MLA.

"Yesterday's announcement regarding public access to the beach and the escarpment is a step in the right direction but the underlying issue remains - just what will our city look like in 5, 10, 15 or 50 years time?

"That's the question the Martin Government should be asking itself as it considers this and other developments across the city.

"It is not a simple battle; developers on one side and environmentalists on the other, one side competing to fill the space with high rises and the other fighting to retain the site as is.

"What many would find surprising is that both sides agree on one point. 'Little Mindil' cannot remain as it is. 'Little Mindil' must be developed.

"From here paths diverge. They diverge on the question of the nature of the development: private development versus development to improve public amenity.

"Which in turn takes us back to the actual question - does a long term vision guide Government decision-making regarding the development of a beautiful tropical city?

"As housing density continues to increase in our city; is sufficient attention given to the long term lifestyle and environmental implications?

"Why decide the fate of Little Mindil before the plan for Myilly Point is confirmed? By deciding to sell and develop 'Little Mindil' it looks like Government has the cart before the horse.

"Surely the plan for Myilly should inform the plan for 'Little Mindil' and both decisions dovetail into a broader urban plan.

"So the key question remains: does this Labor Government have a long term plan for urban development?”

2006-10-10