The Northern Territory Government is seeking comment on a proposal to introduce a new specific use zone into the Northern Territory Planning Scheme.

The purpose of the specific use zone is to guide the future development of land along Rapid Creek Road, Millner in a manner that improves safety during a flood event, whilst also ensuring new development integrates with the surrounding environment.

The proposal is one of the recommendations made by the Darwin Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee to rezone flood affected properties and reduce the impact of flooding from Rapid Creek.

The proposed specific use zone provisions will allow owners of properties that will remain affected by flooding to redevelop above the flood or storm surge level, whichever is higher.

In order to allow properties to be redeveloped above the flood level in a cost effective manner, the zone proposes to allow land owners to build up to two storey high townhouses.

In allowing properties to be redeveloped above the flood level, the proposed specific use zone specifies that any development is not to exacerbate the effects of flooding or localised stormwater inundation on adjacent land.

The proposed specific use zone will not be applied to any property at this time.

If this specific use zone is included in the Northern Territory Planning Scheme, it is intended that the zone can only be applied to properties on Rapid Creek Road in Millner, as identified in the Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan.

Property owners that are interested in redeveloping their property above the flood level may apply individually to include their land within the proposed specific use zone if this proposal is approved, and if their property is identified in the Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan.

For more information please go to ntlis.nt.gov.au/planning/lta.dar.list#development_Darwin