The Development Consent Authority (DCA) has welcomed a decision by the Darwin Local Court to fine a rural landowner who was running a temporary fence contracting business for an offence under the Northern Territory Planning Act.

The landowner was convicted and fined $26,389.44 after pleading guilty to failing to comply with a notice to cease using his property in contravention of the Northern Territory Planning Scheme. 

The Local Court also ordered the removal of the temporary fencing panels and other materials associated with his home-based contracting business within 60 days.

DCA Chair Ms Suzanne Philip said the successful prosecution related to the storing of temporary fencing equipment on his property for the purpose of home-based contracting, in excess of what is allowed by the Northern Territory Planning Scheme. Complaints to the DCA were received from surrounding members of the community.

Initially, the owner was served with a notice to cease by the DCA in April 2017 and was given 30 days to remove the excess equipment. This notice was ignored, resulting in the criminal prosecution.

“The DCA receives regular complaints concerning the creep of inappropriate uses, particularly in the rural areas of Darwin and Alice Springs,” Ms Philip said.

“The DCA believes that compliance with the Planning Scheme and zoning laws is important to Territorians to provide for appropriate and orderly planning and control of the use and development of land”.

Ms Philip said complaints about failure to follow the Northern Territory Planning Scheme and zoning laws can be made by a member of the public, local councils or other government agencies.

Complaints can be made to the Compliance Officer, Development Assessment Services at das.ntg@nt.gov.au or by telephone 8999 6046.