Lee Point, which we know by her oldest name, Binybara, is now a massacre site — a victim of ecocide. Her injury and death, her felled trees raked into piles of lifeless limbs, have been caused by three things: ongoing colonialism, detrimental ministerial decisions, and flawed cultural heritage and environmental legislation.
Binybara, located in Darwin, is known to many as a wildlife corridor, a site of magnificent biodiversity, and a place to practise culture.
In July last year, I wrote about how Binybara faced imminent destruction due to land clearing works for development by Defence Housing Australia (DHA). I sent an open letter calling for Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to prevent the clearing: “Let us show you Binybara. Let me show you the nagandji nagandji (brahminy kite) and the gouldian finches and the century-old trees.”
Binybara was set to be cleared in 30 days. We knew it was going to be a hard fight — in fact, we had been told that our hopes of saving Lee Point were impossible, but we refused to accept that. People power in the form of Danggalaba Kulumbirigin Gulumoerrgin-led legal advocacy, community-based grassroots strategy, national networking and locally led frontline defence all led to us winning nine more months to share her story, sit with her and learn her ways.
However, on March 28, Plibersek announced she had rejected the Batcho Family’s emergency heritage application, allowing housing development to continue. She stated she was not satisfied that Binybara, specifically the part of Binybara in Defence Housing Australia’s plans, had sufficient cultural significance for Danggalaba Kulumbrigin Gulumoerrgin people.
The night before the bulldozers arrived, I felt nauseous when I saw a 24-hour police surveillance camera had been set up at Binybara. I knew what was coming.
I texted a fellow Lee Point defender, “I feel like they are arriving tomorrow.”
I tossed and turned that night, before waking at 6.30am to a call: three bulldozers were on site, protected by dozens of hi-vis security guards and eight police officers. Defence Housing Australia’s private contractors had begun work before sunrise on April 30.
When we got there just after 7am, the clearing had already begun. The whirring of the heavy machinery jarred me; even now it causes a tightness in my chest.
It was soon apparent that Defence Housing Australia, security and police were not following appropriate regulations and policy, including requiring that heavy machinery be turned off if unauthorised people were on site, and that fauna spotters be present to capture and secure any injured or fleeing wildlife (including endangered and vulnerable species).
By 8am, Lee Point defenders had snuck on site, locked on and hidden themselves in the long grass. Others stayed outside, informing security and police of their breach of regulations. Our gentle and non-violent communication tactics were met with an utter disregard for safety and well-being; the work continued despite these breaches and our pleas.
By May 1, we were huddled at the feet of the old-growth trees, hiding in the dense shrubs, holding our breath while out of sight of security and police. Between four to eight mounted police and several regular officers patrolled the site, and at least three paddy wagons were ready to take defenders into custody. We estimate they employed around 100 private security, many of whom we recognised as bouncers from private companies. It was a stark reminder of the penal colony we find ourselves in, where policing resources are used to defend the destruction of country for profit.
It is now a week since the bulldozers began their destruction of Binybara. Half of her remains — stages two to four have largely been cleared. Her wounds are raw and bleeding, along with our spirits. Many tears have been shed at the camp and along the fence line at the feet of the old-growth trees.
The heavy machines that raked and almost ran over our Lee Point defenders have been turned off, but the hum of their engines continues to haunt us. We are gutted and exhausted by the violence of the colonial powers in this collaborative project between DHA, the NT government and federal Labor. The silence of our elected members has been deafening and the community is desperate for courageous leadership to intervene.
We have chosen to rest over the long weekend, using this time to weep for our country. What keeps me going is the bravery and courage of Lee Point defenders, foremost my old people from Danggalaba Kulumbirigin Gulumoerrgin: my nana, my aunties and uncles who know this pain all too well. They have led this movement with grace, determination and deep intellect.
We do not know what is going to happen now, but the community that has formed across this country will never forget the violence of the colony, the silence of our elected members, and the devastating failures of our heritage and environmental legislation.
And so, we sing louder, as the mounted police surround us, so that Binybara can hear us, and so that we might give her strength to keep going:
Lee Point Binybara,
Slow the old trees grow,
Come and you’ll discover,
We’re not going anywhere.
Should the government have done more to protect Lee Point? Let us know your thoughts by writing to letters@crikey.com.au. Please include your full name to be considered for publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
