About Lee Point
The Lee Point development is located in Darwin’s northern suburbs, approximately 17 kilometres from the CBD. The project is planned as a residential community for Defence families and the broader Darwin community, offering a range of housing choices close to the coast, established services and the city.
DHA recognises the cultural significance of Lee Point and cultural heritage considerations continue to be incorporated into project planning. The development footprint will not impact sacred sites in the Lee Point area, as shown in the image further down this page. DHA consults with relevant authorities, custodians and Traditional Owners, and will comply with applicable cultural heritage requirements as planning progresses.
The proposed development includes 800 homes comprising detached houses, townhouses and apartments, of which approximately 200 are intended to support Defence members and their families. The proposed town centre precinct is planned to include tourism uses, restaurants, cafes, hotels, self-contained apartments and retail premises for residents and visitors.
Future residential releases will be subject to the relevant planning, approval and delivery processes, with release-specific information, design guidance and enquiry details to be provided as land becomes available.
Lee Point has an important role to play in delivering housing, supporting local jobs, protecting environmental values and helping meet the future needs of Defence families and Darwin residents alike.
For more information about the project visit www.leepointdarwin.com.au(Opens in a new tab/window)
| Development details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Planned mixed use including residential, retail, tourism and community purpose over 131.35 hectares |
| Location | Lee Point, NT |
| Status | DHA released procurement packages for civil, landscape and environmental rehabilitation works at Lee Point in October and November 2026. The packages cover rehabilitation works near the Casuarina Coastal Reserve and enabling works at Muirhead North to support future housing construction. Major construction will not begin until relevant conditions of approval for biodiversity plans have been satisfied, and procurement activity is finalised. More information on the procurement packages is available in this media release. |
| Project Contacts | Mark Anderson, Director Development, Development & Construction Phone: 0466 563 870 Chris Grimm, Senior Development Manager Phone: 0408 643 310 For enquiries or complaints please email: leepoint@dha.gov.au |
Statement on NTCAT settlement and reported National Heritage List application
11 November 2026
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) reached a settlement with Larrakia Elder Tibby Quall following the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) proceeding in relation to objects that were collected from the Lee Point development site under the supervision of a Larrakia Elder.
In August this year the NTCAT lifted its stop work order made in relation to part of the Lee Point site, and on Thursday 5 November the NTCAT issued orders to finalise the proceeding.
The agreed outcome reflects a constructive approach by all parties and provides a culturally respectful pathway forward that protects the interests of the parties. The objects that were collected will be repatriated in an area of the site that is to be included in the Casuarina Coastal Reserve with appropriate markers and signage to be provided in consultation with Larrakia Elders.
DHA is progressing the Lee Point development in accordance with all applicable Northern Territory and Commonwealth planning, environmental and heritage approvals, with work only proceeding as relevant approval conditions have been satisfied.
DHA will continue to listen to and work with all Larrakia Elders in relation to the development at Lee Point.
DHA has not seen the reported application for National Heritage Listing of Lee Point and is therefore unable to comment on its content.
Cultural heritage claims concerning Lee Point were considered by the Commonwealth Environment Minister in 2024 under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (the Act). The Minister at the time determined that the available evidence did not establish that the specified area met the statutory requirements for protection under the Act.
