Council’s $71.8 million budget to see major upgrades to Casuarina Pool, Shoal Bay Tip

DARWIN council’s record $71.8 million budget will see an operations a debt of more than $15 million, with council’s forecast income 2020/2021 expenditure

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis ... Darwin council will operate its 2020/2021 budget and municipal plan at a loss

DARWIN council’s record $71.8 million budget will see an operations a debt of $15.2 million, with council’s forecast income 2020/2021 expenditure.

A last minute transaction from CDU’s purchase of land for their new city campus saw Darwin council’s budget grow $14.6 million last night .

Most of the funds, which built council’s budget from $53 million to $71.8 million, will be put to relocating chambers and staff to Smith St Mall.

Council’s draft budget and municipal plan, highlighted by a monster $25 million redevelopment of Casuarina Pool and $15.5 million upgrades to Shoal Bay, will see council’s income of $106.8 million fall short of their $122 million expenditure.

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But Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said it was council’s duty to invest in the community, particularly at such a tough time.

“This record capital budget includes investments in major projects across the

municipality,” he said.

“Council commitments outlined to in this Budget will underpin our economy and

provide employment opportunities – which are so important right now.”

Council’s 2019/2020 budget brought a similar return, with expenditure outweighing the $107.4 million income by more than $13 million.

Mr Vatskalis’ promise of maintaining rates has also been kept, with $7 million allocated to aid in recovering from coronavirus.

“This is the first time ever City of Darwin has not increased rates – and following COVID-19 this is exactly the right time for them not to be increased,” he said.

“This year’s Budget builds on the unprecedented infrastructure spend in our 2019/20 Budget of $54M, incorporating projects designed to improve the amenity of our streetscapes, support our community and achieve Council’s vision of a ‘City of Colour’.”

Success from council’s landscaping and regrowth projects will also be continued with $3.8 million put towards tree planting and beautification while $3 million will go to Ward Projects.

“I continue to be passionate about the beautification and greening of our city and I’m

delighted to announce significant funding in this area again in 2020/21,” he said.

“Our Draft 2020/21 Municipal Plan and Budget represents a significant investment in

our local economy, providing a strong foundation for Darwin’s long-term future.”

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The draft municipal plan will be available for public display for 23 days until June 26,