Strategic Projects Prospectus

Last year, Darwin City Council worked hard on an ambitious plan to develop project concepts that could be considered by the community and prospective development partners aimed to revitalise our city and our economy.

At its meeting last night, Council received the final publication, which will be published across Council’s digital platforms today.

When Council put the Strategic Projects Prospectus together, each elected member bought to the table ideas for projects that they believed would excite the community and draw investment into Darwin, in turn boosting Darwin’s economy. Council looked at its existing plans, like the Darwin City Centre Masterplan and also took into account the Darwin City Deal projects as a city deal partner.

The 6 approved projects are outlined on page 33 of the Prospectus and include:

Redevelopment of Lameroo Beach to the Waterfront and Darwin Esplanade Casuarina Pool Redevelopment Vestey’s Beach space enhancement to activate and improve the amenity of this area Further investment in smart technologies to Darwin’s suburbs Commercialisation opportunities for some of Council’s services, like parking, waste management and streetlight assets Renewable energy hubs that incorporate solar and waste to energy technologies

Darwin 2030, Council’s strategic plan outlines the various roles that Council can take in infrastructure development or major projects. These 6 projects allow for private partnerships and investment, collaboration with the Territory and Federal Governments and opportunities for Council lead key major projects in Darwin.

When Council settled on these projects, it was before we were confronted by COVID-19, but COVID has given us great opportunity as well and Darwin presents as an attractive place to not only live, but as Deloitte Access Economics said in their report released last week that it … “predicts the Territory’s growth rate in the 2021 financial year to be the highest in the country”.

So it’s really pleasing to see the Northern Territory Government announcing tenders in the NT News for a $50M Art Gallery as part of the Civic and State Square Masterplan today. The Civic and State Square Masterplan is a joint project with City of Darwin as part of the Darwin City Deal.

Last Thursday Council accepted an offer from CDU to transfer its Cavenagh Street Car Park to CDU to allow it to forge ahead and fast-track the construction of the Education Precinct.

At its meeting, Council confirmed its commitment to the Darwin City Deal and Further committed to use the funds it planned to invest in the Education Precinct (around $40 Million, both equity and in-principle cash contribution) into a new significant city construction project that will be designed to complement the Civic and State Square Masterplan.

Council has committed to relocate some council services, like the City Library, Customer and Ranger Services into a more central location in the city, like the Mall. As we now emerge from our COVID crisis into recovery, we believe the time is right to think outside the box, invest in our community and reinvigorate our economy.