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🇦🇺 Australia /Economy & Trade

Australia's Northern Territory to Shrink Suburban Block Sizes Amid Housing Crisis Fears

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Northern Territory government plans to reduce minimum block sizes in low-density residential areas from 800 to 450 square meters.
  • The move aims to increase housing supply and improve affordability by allowing more homes on smaller plots.
  • Residents express concerns about the impact on liveability, fearing the loss of tropical city character and green spaces.

The Northern Territory government is moving forward with a controversial plan to reduce minimum block sizes in suburban areas, a decision that has divided public opinion. The amendment to the Planning Act will lower the minimum lot size in low-density residential zones, such as Darwin's northern suburbs, from 800 to 450 square meters. This change is intended to pave the way for more homes on smaller plots of land.

Exploring housing diversity, including smaller homes on smaller lots, will help boost housing supply and improve affordability.

— Josh BurgoyneNT Lands, Planning and Environment Minister explaining the rationale behind the block size reduction.

NT Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Josh Burgoyne stated that exploring housing diversity, including smaller homes on smaller lots, is crucial for boosting housing supply and improving affordability. However, Deputy Opposition Leader Ed Smelt criticized the approach, arguing that relying on "ad hoc" owner decisions will not significantly increase housing stock. He called for a focus on activity centers and transport corridors rather than subdividing existing low-density communities.

This government doesn't have a plan for affordability or growing our housing stock.

— Ed SmeltDeputy Opposition Leader criticizing the government's housing strategy.

Locals have voiced strong opposition, fearing the proposal will negatively impact the liveability of NT suburbs. Many callers to ABC Radio Darwin expressed concerns that reducing block sizes would destroy the character of established neighborhoods with their gardens and open spaces. One caller described the idea as "insane," questioning why existing suburbs with ample space should be altered when new suburbs already offer smaller lots.

I think it's insane.

— Caller to ABC Radio DarwinExpressing strong disapproval of the proposed block size reduction.

Residents emphasized the importance of outdoor living and the cooling sea breeze in Darwin's tropical climate. They worry that building "wall-to-wall houses" will diminish the city's appeal as a beautiful, liveable tropical environment. Concerns were echoed by Mr. Smelt, whose constituents value the larger blocks, trees, and space that define their neighborhoods.

If you want to live on a minuscule 450 square metre block, they're all out there already in the new suburbs, so why destroy those beautiful old suburbs with their beautiful gardens?

— Caller to ABC Radio DarwinQuestioning the necessity of reducing block sizes in established areas.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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