Litchfield Council ratepayers to pay almost $1m per year for new library, 3pc rate rise on the way
Some ratepayers in the Top End will fork out $1m per year for a new, relocated library. Find out where.
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Litchfield Council’s relocated library will cost ratepayers almost $1m per year, with further rate rises, as well as controversial by-laws also on the way.
According to its 2025-26 budget, the three per cent rate increase totals about 62c per week, or $32 per year per person.
Rates make up 68 per cent of the council’s total revenue, according to the budget.
Beyond rates, waste charges will rise by five per cent, or 40c per week – which is about $21 per year.
But the most significant rise in the budget was the operational costs for the council’s library, an increase from about $370,000 in 2024-25 to more than $995,000 in 2025-26.
Litchfield Council passed the motion to relocate the Taminmin Community Library to Coolalinga Central in mid-March after a divisive 4-3 vote that left many residents frustrated.
One resident who disapproved of the process was former independent politician Gerry Wood.
In a letter to the NT News earlier this year, Mr Wood said the council “deliberately avoided telling ratepayers the real cost of the Coolalinga option and … avoided looking (for) alternatives”.
He also said that the council was trying to expand its powers under the proposed by-laws.
The most interesting one, he said, was one that stated “a person who owns or occupies a premise is committing an offence if they keep rubbish … in open areas on the premises other than in a bin”.
It also says an offence is committed if the owner allows the residence to become overgrown with vegetation, attract reptiles, pests, or vermin or be a fire hazard.
“Firstly, the NT Fire (and Emergency Service) control fires and fire hazards, not the council,” Mr Wood said.
“Secondly, weeds are controlled by the Weeds (Management) Branch … and thirdly, mosquito control comes under the Department of Health Etymology Branch.
Mr Wood said the council should stick to its role as a local council.
“Don’t expand the council’s bureaucracy by taking over the government’s responsibilities,” he said.
“The council seems to have little understanding as to why people live out here; it’s certainly not about little suburban blocks and more regulation.
“It’s about the freedom.”
Responding to his claims, the Litchfield Council said in a statement that it “thank[ed] the community for its continued engagement”.
“These By-Laws are designed to address practical concerns raised by residents over many years, including unkempt properties, illegal dumping, littering, and unauthorised camping in public places,” a spokesperson said.
“We are seeing an increasing number of urban and industrial small-lot developments, including the upcoming Holtze subdivision.
“These changes present new challenges in managing land use and amenity.
“The proposed By-Laws provide Council with modern tools to help address issues such as excessive vegetation, accumulation of waste on properties, and risks to public health and safety.
“They are not intended to overstep Council’s role, but rather to complement existing responsibilities held by other agencies.
“Regarding the relocation of the Taminmin Community Library ... the move reflects our commitment to enhancing accessibility, visibility, and modernisation of library services.
“The increased operational costs ... encompass all aspects of improved service delivery.
“This includes delivering more staff, more programs, more services, and the full scope of running a stand-alone community library.”
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Originally published as Litchfield Council ratepayers to pay almost $1m per year for new library, 3pc rate rise on the way
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