2.3.4 Development Controls
Building Control Areas (Northern Territory)
Building Control Status
The Northern Territory government outlines specific requirements for building control areas. Lake Bennett is designated as a Tier 1 Building Control Area.
- Certification Requirements: Full certification requirements apply for all building work in Tier 1 areas. This includes adherence to the National Construction Code (NCC) and the necessity to obtain occupancy certification at the end of the construction process.
- Further Information: For detailed requirements, refer to the official NT government website:
Fire Break Requirements (Northern Territory)
Legal Requirement
Maintaining adequate firebreaks is a legal requirement for property owners in the Northern Territory to protect property and provide safe access for emergency services.
- Definition: A firebreak is an area clear of flammable materials such as vegetation and bush.
- Standard Requirements (within Emergency Response Areas - ERAs):
- Must be free from vegetation, or grass must be maintained at a height no taller than 50mm.
- Must be established along the entire boundary of the property.
- Must be at least 4 meters wide.
Gamba Grass Management
Specific management for Gamba grass is required:
- Must be controlled within 15 meters of all property boundaries, driveways, and structures.
- Parcels of land less than 3 hectares must be working towards the eradication of all Gamba grass.
- Recommendations:
- An 8-meter wide firebreak is recommended around houses and any other permanent structures, stationary engines, or flammable material.
- Maintenance: Firebreaks must be maintained all year round.
- Further Information:
- For properties within an Emergency Response Area (ERA), refer to NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services: https://pfes.nt.gov.au/fire-and-rescue-service/fire-safety/firebreaks
- For properties outside an ERA, contact Bushfires NT: https://nt.gov.au/emergency/bushfire/managing/bushfires-nt
- For Gamba Grass management: Visit nt.gov.au/gamba
Landscaping
- General vegetation requirements, including the submission of a suitably descriptive landscaping plan to the Corporation for approval as part of any improvement plans (Articles of Corporation, Units Plan 97/026, Article 5.1).
- All fences and screens must be comprised of mass planting of palms and other plants only (Articles of Corporation, Units Plan 97/026, Article 5.2.7).
- Water management strategies
- Enhancing visual amenity
- Ongoing maintenance standards
Native Plant Selection
- Prioritising the use of Northern Territory native species is encouraged to promote biodiversity, reduce water consumption, and provide habitat for local wildlife.
- Resources for Native Plants:
- FloraNT Website: For plant identification, distribution, and conservation status.
- NT Herbarium Plant Identification Service: For assistance in identifying native plants (free for non-commercial use).
- Territory Native Plants: Nursery specializing in NT native species.
- Top End Native Plant Society: Local society with resources and information.
- NT Threatened Plants List: Information on protected species to consider during planning.
Weed Control and Management
- Effective weed management is crucial to protect native ecosystems and maintain property values.
- Landowners are responsible for managing declared weeds on their property in accordance with NT legislation.
- Resources for Weed Control:
- NT Weed Management Handbook: Comprehensive guide to weed management, including control methods for specific weeds and herbicide information (PDF download available).
- NT Government Weeds Information: General information on weeds in the NT, their impacts, and management strategies.
- Weeds and the Law (NT): Outlines legal obligations for weed control.
- Weed Management Branch Contacts: For advice and reporting.
Version Control
| Version | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2025-10-06 | Initial Release |
Next Review Date: 2026-04-06