Darwin city deal for Charles Darwin University a long way off

RELOCATING parts of the Charles Darwin University into the CBD is something that will be getting active consideration under the City Deal process

RELOCATING parts of the Charles Darwin University into the CBD is something that will be getting active consideration under the City Deal process, the Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Paul Fletcher, said yesterday.

Australian Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher says parts of CDU would move into the Darwin CBD as part of the City Deal. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Mr Fletcher, who met with Chief Minister Michael Gunner, said ways of increasing the attractiveness of Darwin as a tourist destination was also very much in the frame

However he gave no hope that the Territory would receive any federal Cities Deal funding before the end of this year.

“Before we do that we have to work out what are the elements of the Darwin City deal,” he said.

“I would hope that by the end of this year we will have made good progress.

“There are significant opportunities in tourism, education, and also steps that can be taken to freshen up the livability of the city.

“There is a strong commitment from the Gunner Government towards a deal and it is important that we take the time to get it right.

“Certainly the notion of relocating parts of the Charles Darwin University Campus is very much something that has been advocated for as part of the Darwin City deal.

“The Launceston City deal has within it relocating parts of the University of Tasmania into the city and the logic is the same as what has been promoted here in Darwin.

“Universities are places where there are lots of young people who can generate a vibrancy and can contribute to the regeneration of a city centre so the relocating of parts of the CDU into the city is something that will be getting active consideration under the City Deal process.”

Mr Fletcher said improving Darwin’s attractiveness as a functioning city and a destination for tourists was something that made sense.

“Ways of increasing the attractiveness of Darwin as a tourist destination is very much in the frame,” he said.

Mr Gunner said while there had been no financial commitment from Mr Fletcher their meeting was positive and supportive.

“No there was no financial commitment ... in some respects it was about bringing Minister Fletcher up to speed on everything in the Darwin City deal proposal.”

Originally published as Darwin city deal for Charles Darwin University a long way off