Spending to support industry in the Top End

Spending to support industry in the Top EndWith 1.77 million people projected to live in the Territory by 2031, an emphasis on re-energising the city centre has been outlined in Darwin’s latest Municipal Plan.The City of Darwin will inject $1.5 million into key projects outlined under the Darwin City Master Plan, which Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim says will “make the most of our tropical, liveable city.”Projects include the revitalisation Tamarind Park, improvements to city centre road intersections and upgrades to increase economic activity and connectivity within the city centre. This additional spend brings the total level of council investment to $4.5 million over two years.Council has committed to a 1.0 per cent rates revenue efficiency dividend, while more than $26 million will be spent on capital works. “A core part of this budget is committed to maintaining our parks and reserves, drains, footpaths, local roads and community buildings,” explains the City’s chief executive officer, Brendan Dowd.Property Council NT Director Ruth Palmer welcomes the funding, which she says will ensure Darwin can “become a competitive alternative for international business and secure our links to the economies and cultures of South East Asia.”The federal government’s concessional loan facility, outlined in the federal Budget in May, will also encourage private sector investment in the Territory, which Palmer says “will further drive our economy and employment, and will cater to our growing population.”