Blogger's note: Whatever happened to Digby area's land use review?

Land use review

BEN LANGFORD

February 1st, 2010

GLYDE Point could be opened up again for industrial development under a Territory-wide review of land uses being performed by the Government.

Balance of power independent Gerry Wood said yesterday he knew the Government was reconsidering its ban on industry for the area, which was highly valued by environmentalists and anglers.

Mr Wood said the possibility of a tidal power station in the Clarence Straight put the point, 40km northeast of Darwin, back on the agenda.

"That power will be coming onshore at Glyde Point (so) possible industrial development at this site must be given a thorough independent and scientific review," he said.

"The public must also have a say, not as happened before, just special interest lobby groups."

Planning Minister Gerry McCarthy's spokeswoman Bethaney Maley said the future of the area would be reconsidered as part of a review of all land use in the NT.

"The Department of Lands and Planning is currently drafting a land use plan for the Territory, including residential, industrial and commercial use of land," she said.

"This will include options for the future use of Glyde Point and will be made available for public comment and review."

Ms Maley said reviewing the decision on Glyde Point was part of the deal with Mr Wood that kept the Henderson Government in power.

Environment Centre NT co-ordinator Stuart Blanch said: "Old dreams die hard.

"It's one of those old dreams and visions that's hard to kill off.

"It's got a lot of well-known environmental values - the mangroves, the estuary, rainforest, coral. It's important for recreational fishermen and a lot of habitat for dugong and turtle."

In 2007 former Chief Minister Clare Martin ruled out Glyde Point for development in favour of Darwin Harbour.