The Annual Progress Report for the historic Darwin City Deal has been released, showing that projects and plans are well on track to transform Darwin into a more vibrant, innovative and liveable city.
Launching the Annual Progress Report in Darwin, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the report highlights how the City Deal is delivering jobs and boosting the economy at a critical period in the Territory’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The centrepiece of the Deal, the $250 million Charles Darwin University’s Education and Community Precinct, started construction in October 2020 and is on track to transform the city centre,” Mr Fletcher said.
“Construction is providing crucial stimulus and jobs, with 730 jobs expected to be created over the next four years.
“Other projects in the Deal already underway include the CSIRO-led Darwin Living Lab, which is developing evidence-based approaches to tropical urban living, and the redevelopment of Stokes Hill, which together with the Larrakia Cultural Centre, will celebrate and showcase the cultural and spiritual significance of the Stokes Hill sacred site.
“All levels of government are working closely together as we mark the second anniversary of the Deal and there’s no doubt this investment is helping Darwin become a more liveable and vibrant capital.”
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Michael Gunner, said the Deal was a win-win for the Territory.
“The transformation will get more people into the guts of our city,” Mr Gunner said.
“On one hand, the projects mean more construction work for Territory tradies. On the other, the upgrades will drive more foot traffic into local businesses, which will keep the Territory economy ticking over.
“The new Education and Community Precinct will also help attract domestic and international students to the Top End, and it’s estimated they will bring around $600 million into the local economy over the next three decades.”
Darwin Lord Mayor, Kon Vatskalis, said there are a number of exciting projects being delivered for Darwin City, with some already completed and new plans for the coming year to keep the beautification momentum.
“The last two years have seen the completion of significant investments, with the ‘Switching on Darwin’ project being delivered and the ongoing presence of #SmartDarwin,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“We also completed construction of the State Square Underground Carpark and its operation by City of Darwin, and the recent demolition of the Chan Building, signalling commencement of works in Civic and State Square.
“These projects are a testament to everyone involved who managed to stay on track to deliver Darwin City Deal commitments through what has been a uniquely challenging year.
“I am proud the Darwin City Deal continues to work to provide sustainable and exciting infrastructure for Darwin and I look forward to working together with the Australian and Northern Territory governments to see what else we can achieve over the next year.”
The City Deal is a joint initiative of the Australian and Northern Territory governments and the City of Darwin.
The Darwin City Deal 2020 Annual Progress Report is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/darwin
