Push for Esplanade RSL club effectively over after council votes to green over controversial car park

LORD Mayor Kon Vatskalis has advised the RSL to start looking elsewhere for its proposed Esplanade clubhouse after Darwin council voted last night to green over the Darwin Cenotaph car park

• Darwin alderman Justine Glover to lead push to green over the Esplanade’s Cenotaph carpark
• Potential end of the line for RSL Esplanade clubhouse plans as council flags intention to green over Cenotaph carpark

LORD Mayor Kon Vatskalis has advised the RSL to start looking elsewhere for its controversial proposed Esplanade clubhouse after Darwin council passed a motion to green over the Darwin Cenotaph car park at last night’s meeting.

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Alderman Justine Glover brought the idea to council, saying there were a number of motivating factors behind greening the area.

“There is very strong community support for the existing carpark at the Esplanade to be greened, in line with the original Civic Square development plan,” she said.

“There is enormous potential to make this area into a peaceful place of contemplation for locals and tourists.”

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Alderman Andrew Arthur was one of several who agreed with the concept saying it was what the people wanted and would greatly improve the city.

“I fully support this. We’ve been working towards a greener and cooler city and this is a very important step towards that,” he said.

“It’s going to be a focal point leading into (Bicentennial) park.”

In supporting the motion, Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said: “It’s a natural continuation of the Esplanade so we will green the space but make sure it is still accessible to the army for heavy artillery they need to bring for the bombing of Darwin (ceremonies),” he said.

“I’ve advised the RSL that it’s a good idea to start looking elsewhere.”

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A number of aldermen were concerned about making such a rash move without having firm details, with alderman Rebecca Want De Rowe saying there were a number of other options which could be suitable.

“I’m not going to support the motion when I don’t know the true figure of how much this is going to cost us,” she said.

“I also believe in beautifying it. I believe we could do a lot better with that site. I’m not comfortable pushing forward with the site.”

Along with Ms Want de Rowe, Aldermen Jimmy Bouhoris, George Lambrinidis and Gary Haslett opposed the move, while aldermen Simon Niblock, Robin Knox, Peter Pangquee, Paul Arnold and Andrew Arthur were in favour of it.

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Originally published as Push for Esplanade RSL club effectively over after council votes to green over controversial car park