The Ledger

By Nick Kirlew With the Chan Ward by-election just two days away, I’ve been reflecting on how long we have been fighting the exact same battles to protect the character, lifestyle, and environment of our local neighborhoods. I recently dug up the May 2004 PLan Newsletter from our archives. Reading through it, I was struck…

This article is a straight copy from the NT Independent 19/05/2026. Sonja Pastor, a PLan volunteer takes aim and hits the target, regards Nick. https://ntindependent.com.au/letter-to-the-editor-lee-point-plan-lacked-scrutiny-from-the-start Dear Editor, At its April 28 meeting, Darwin Council formally resolved to support a Senate inquiry into the Lee Point development. This is a significant decision. It is not about…

Liz Trevaskis ABC Afternoons interview with Nick Kirlew Nick Kirlew’s Independent Candidacy for Chan Ward In this ABC Radio interview, local independent candidate Nick Kirlew discusses his vision for the upcoming Chan Ward Council by-election, drawing on his 40-year history in Darwin and long-term advocacy as the convener of the Planning Action Network (PLan). Speaking…

A new planning application (PA2026/0110) is proposing a massive change for the land along Dick Ward Drive (covering parts of Ludmilla and Coconut Grove).  While the application frames this as a “minor administrative update,” it actually aims to shift the site away from restricted light-industrial use to open it up for intensive, public-facing commercial developments…

“Our neighborhoods belong to the people who live in them.” As the Convener of PLan: the Planning Action Network Inc, I’ve spent years fighting for transparent, sustainable development across the Territory. I recently joined Jess Ong on ABC Darwin to discuss a major issue right here in our backyard: the proposed commercial rezoning of part…

This is the full version of the speech I prepared and delivered at the Candidates Forum Sunset Park 20/05/2026, due to time constraints some parts were omitted. Good evening everyone and thank you to the organizers and to all of you for being here tonight. I always prefer to talk off the cuff, but to…

Big things happen when communities come together. For years, Nick Kirlew has already been doing the work — standing alongside local residents, advocating for transparent planning, protecting Darwin’s green spaces, and helping people have a voice in decisions affecting our suburbs. Now Nick is officially launching his campaign for Chan Ward. If you care about…

ABC Radio In a recent interview with ABC Radio Darwin’s Jess Ong, PLan Convener Nick Kirlew addressed a growing concern for residents and visitors alike: the long-term vacant lots and “pits” scattered across the CBD. From the infamous “big hole” on Mitchell Street to the 24-year-old Asti Motel site on Smith Street, these stagnant spaces…

From behind the NT News paywall. PLEASE NOTE, this is direct from NT News, not my words. Eight candidates are confirmed in the contest for Chan ward at the May 30 City of Darwin by-election. They are Manik Gowda, Nick Kirlew, Annette Gillanders, Clarence CJ McCarthy-Grogan, Mirella Fejo, Lenny, Shiva Panchalingam and Steve Doherty. The…