FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is being proposed at Lyons?

The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and the Canberra Investment Corporation Ltd (CIC) have formed the Lyons Joint Venture to create a new residential community at Lyons.

Over the next five years, about 700 dwellings will be built at Lyons. Approximately 300 of these dwellings will be for Defence Force families, with the remainder of lots being marketed for private purchase.

The Joint Venture created a draft Concept Master Plan which was used as the basis for pre-lodgement consultation with the community and key stakeholders.

Feedback from the pre-lodgement consultation was used to refine the plans prior to lodgement.

Where is Lyons?

Lyons is in the northern suburbs of Darwin near the existing suburbs of Tiwi, Wanguri and Leanyer. It is adjacent to the Royal Darwin Hospital and Tracy Village Sports and Social Club and is situated off Lee Point Road.

Who are the proponents?

Lyons is a joint venture between DHA and CIC. The role of DHA is to provide housing and relocation support for members of the Australian Defence Force.

CIC is a publicly listed development corporation, specialising in medium to large scale residential and mixed use communities.

Who are the people involved in working on this project?

The project team for Lyons is primarily drawn from Darwin. That means the architects, planners and other technical specialists will ensure the project has that unique ‘Darwin feel’.

What is special about this proposal?

Lyons will become one of the most desirable and exciting places to live in Darwin. Well-planned, vibrant neighbourhoods will draw their essential character from the nearby coastal landscape.

The development will be a community, providing houses, parkland and a neighbourhood facility in a setting which is sensitive to the natural environment and integrated with existing neighbourhoods.

Importantly, the Master Plan responds to Darwin’s tropical climate, creating urban design and architecture that will make Lyons one of the most comfortable and energy efficient places to live in Darwin.

Will there be any Defence housing as part of the project?

About 300 houses will be developed by DHA to accommodate Defence families.

How big will the housing lots be?

Lot sizes range from 600 square metres to 900 square metres to accommodate a diverse range of household types. The average lot size will be around 700 square metres.

Will there be a neighbourhood facility on the site?

A neighbourhood facility will be completed and available for use from the time the first residents move into Lyons. Part of the facility will be shared initially with the Sales and Information Centre, but the facility will be available for public use from day one.

Discussions are being held with Darwin City Council, the DHA and the Defence Community Organisation regarding the design of the neighbourhood facility. A workshop involving user groups is also part of the design process.

Will there be shops?

The zoning for Lyons allows for small neighbourhood retail. The introduction of neighbourhood retail will depend upon feasibility studies completed by prospective business operators.

The neighbourhood facility will also be designed with the flexibility to incorporate a small kiosk.

Will the public have an opportunity for input into the plans for Lyons?

Both DHA and CIC have committed to a consultation process that allows significant input from the community.

The consultation process has been designed and delivered by Elton Consulting who are specialists in the area of community engagement. It is their responsibility to take the comments from residents and stakeholders directly to the project team.

A number of consultation events have occurred prior to lodgement of the DA. This has enabled feedback to be taken into consideration prior to the finalisation of the plans. The plans have been amended in line with comments from residents and stakeholders.

At what stage is the proposal up to?

The Development Application (DA) for Lyons was lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment (DIPE) – Development Assessment Services (Development Consent Authority) on July 28th 2005.

The DA included the Master Plan for the whole site and plans for Phase 1 of the project which includes the Central Park.

Will the proposal protect environment features, such as flora and fauna?

Plans for Lyons include careful management of flora and fauna. Environmental consultants have prepared thorough and detailed assessments to aid the conservation of beneficial vegetation and to guide future maintenance. Darwin-based experts, familiar with the unique local environment, have been engaged for this part of the process.

How is stormwater being managed?

Lyons will be developed so that stormwater peak runoff rates will not exceed pre-development run off rates. This will be achieved through a combination of measures including soakage pits, detention basins, retention pits and landscaped swales. These measures will enable stormwater to be captured and stored during peak flow times and released more slowly over time. Pollutant traps and other filtration devices will be used to remove rubbish and other matter from the water.

How will transport issues be managed?

Transport routes are planned and designed to be as convenient as possible, while at the same time encouraging people to leave their cars at home. The new road system will be integrated with public transport patterns and connected with adjoining neighbourhoods. Negotiations are under way with Darwin Bus to ensure bus service is available at the time that the first residents move into Lyons. Pedestrian and cycle ways will criss-cross the new community.

A Traffic Impact Study has been completed and submitted with the DA. Traffic is recognised as a major community issue and members of the Joint Venture team are meeting with Darwin City Council and local residents to identify pre-existing traffic issues, discuss residents’ concerns and consider appropriate traffic management measures.

What is the involvement of the indigenous community?

The Joint Venture is working with Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Larrakia Development Corporation and the Northern Land Council on ensuring that the cultural heritage of the area is appropriately recognised.

Balarinji Design Studio has been engaged to work with the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation on cultural interpretation and public art for Lyons.

The Joint Venture is also committed to providing employment opportunities throughout the course of the project for the indigenous community. The first employment contract approved by the Joint Venture was to the Larrakia Development Corporation for the creation of fire trails and other works associated with fuel load reduction, conducted in collaboration with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service.

What will be the stages of the development?

The development of Lyons will occur over a period of approximately five years, the intention of the joint venture partners is to develop the southern half of the site as the first phase and the northern half as the second. The Phase 1 DA includes the works associated with the Central Park.

When will construction start and finish?

Construction of the first phase is expected to start February to March 2006. It is anticipated that the development will occur over a period of approximately five years.

Who will build the houses?

CIC will not build any houses. They will develop the lots for sale to individual homebuyers and local builders.

During the consultation process, the Joint Venture has received considerable feedback from the community on the importance of ensuring lots are available for purchase by individual “mum and dad” homebuyers. The Joint Venture is committed to ensuring there are opportunities for smaller homebuyers at Lyons and is currently considering a number of options to enable this to happen.

The Joint Venture is committed to local industry participation and is working with NT Government, the NT Industry Capability Network, the Territory Construction Association and others to ensure local industry involvement at Lyons.

Will they be sold as house and land packages?

There will most likely be a mixture of house and land and land only packages. It is important to note that the Joint Venture is developing design guidelines and a range of covenants to ensure that the design quality of all houses built on the site is of a high standard.

How can I be kept informed?

Elton Consulting is managing the community consultation process and its their job to keep the community informed. To be placed on a contact list, or if you have any questions, please call Steve Rossiter on 1800 888 374 or email steve@elton.com.au