$500m City Deal: Darwin CBD revamping project delayed by election and budget

THE federal government is at least partially blaming the NT Government for the delay of the $500 million City Deal. But the NT Government is pointing the finger elsewhere

Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure federal minister Alan Tudge said the Gunner Government’s budget repair plan was partly to blame for the City Deal being delayed. Picture: Keri Megelus

PROGRESS of the $500 million City Deal is hinging on land negotiations between City of Darwin, Charles Darwin University and the federal government.

The City Deal’s implementation plan was due six months within the signing of the deal but has been delayed by land negotiations surrounding CDU’s $430 million CBD campus.

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Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure federal minister Alan Tudge however said the implementation plan for the City Deal’s release was partly delayed by this year’s federal election and the Gunner Government’s budget repair process.

This was refuted by Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

A spokesman for the Chief Minister said the NT Government’s contribution of $100 million to the City Deal was sealed.

“In terms of the Territory Government bits on the City Deal, we’re more than well on track,” said Mr Gunner.

“There have been from Council some negotiations they’ve wanted to make post signing of the City Deal around the CDU site that impacts on what the council has at the CDI site — simply in terms of what they get in division of the land.

“We’ve been observers to that process and I understand that they're basically reached a position now where it’s okay.”

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said while negotiations were underway, these discussion did not hinder progress on the City Deal.

“Council’s strong position is that these negotiations have not inhibited the progress of the City Deal in any way,” he said.

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“Negotiations are continuing in relation to the necessary transaction requirements and the realisation of Council’s equity contribution in the transfer ownership of the Cavenagh St car park site to CDU.”

Mr Vatskalis said a transaction team has been in place since July 2018 to manage negotiations and delivery of the City Deal.

“Council has maintained and continues to maintain a pragmatic approach to finalising all requirements of the Darwin City Deal particularly the Civic and Education Precinct.”