A Request for Proposal (RFP) released on AusTender today will support the regeneration of bushland at Lee Point before 22-hectares of rehabilitated land is transferred to Northern Territory National Parks. A priority is the removal of exotic weeds from the protected habitat, with the works intended to lift the overall ecological value of the habitat before its handover. 

The RFP for remediation works around the Casuarina Coastal Reserve calls for submissions from Indigenous-owned businesses in recognition of the area’s cultural significance to Larrakia people, with the work to be undertaken in consultation with cultural knowledge holders. The Larrakia Rangers have been assisting with a range of environmental management works to care for Country in and around the project. 

The RFP scope will see the degraded coastal land remediated and erosion stabilised before reinstating native coastal habitat. The successful contractor’s work methods and designs will consider ways to avoid impacts to culturally sensitive species and, where necessary, consider transplantation. 

This work is expected to commence this year, with additional civil and landscaping works to be delivered over several years, including mountain bike trails and safe boardwalk access to the beach. This will aim to improve community access to the area while supporting environmental outcomes. 

The Lee Point project has made good progress on its program of environmental remediation works in recent months. DHA has worked with local contractors and Larrakia Rangers to safely remove and dispose of more than 900 tonnes of asbestos-containing material from the project site area.  

All businesses submitting proposals for the Casuarina Coastal Reserve rehabilitation works will need to demonstrate capability, capacity and eligibility to undertake the scope of works. 

Proposal submissions are required by 5 January 2027. Interested parties that meet the eligibility criteria can contact tenders@dha.gov.au for further information and to request access to the opportunity.

Quotes attributable to DHA Managing Director Andrew Jaggers PSM 

“We’re building momentum at the Lee Point project with the prioritisation of environmental management works, and today’s release of a tender for Casuarina Coastal Reserve rehabilitation works. 

“We recognise the cultural significance of the reserve area, which is why it’s important that we continue to engage relevant cultural knowledge holders in how the work is delivered. 

“DHA has been building in Darwin for more than 30 years. We are a part of the Darwin community, and we want to continue to grow and deliver homes for the ADF and Territory into the future. 

“This procurement is seeking Indigenous businesses to carry out this important clean up and rehabilitation work and is part of our commitment to local jobs and opportunities for First Nations people in Darwin. 

“Following contractor appointment from this procurement activity, civil, landscape and rehabilitation works will commence on the Lee Point development in the coming months.  

“We have recently removed more than 90 truck loads of asbestos-contaminated material from the project site. The site has historically been significantly degraded and our clean up works are making a real difference.” 

“DHA remains dedicated to delivering this project to boost housing supply for Darwin and Defence families in balance with significant biodiversity conservation on site.” 

Further information 

DHA’s Lee Point development comprises two development parcels in the suburb of Lee Point. The two lots are bisected by Lee Point Road. On the western side of Lee Point Road, is a former Department of Defence (Defence) installation that was operated by the ‘2 Control and Reporting Unit’ (referred to as the 2CRU site). On the east side of Lee Point Road is the parcel known as Muirhead North. 

The project is forecast to create more than 800 new homes and at least 200 are to be provided for ADF members and their families.  

The approved Lee Point project plans will allow for a range of community amenity over and above a mix of housing, including open space, community facilities and recreational connections, balanced with the conservation and rehabilitation measures. 

In August 2026, the National Environmental Protection Agency undertook an audit of certain environmental conditions of approval which involved both a desktop review and a site inspection. The audit found that DHA was compliant with all relevant conditions assessed under the audit. 

 

-ENDS- 

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