Mindil Beach Casino looks to replace iconic front lawns with parking bays

MINDIL Beach Casino Resort’s luscious green front lawns will be paved over and replaced with almost 150 new parking bays

Mindil Beach Casino Resort’s green front lawns will be paved over and replaced with almost 150 new parking bays. . Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

MINDIL Beach Casino Resort’s green front lawns will be paved over and replaced with almost 150 new parking bays.

The plan would reduce the green space at the resort from 5041sq m to 1736sq m.

A traffic report compiled by consultancy firm Tonkin found there was no need for extra parking but the makeover would improve access for gamblers.

“It is understood that the existing parking provision is adequate and the additional parking is being provided to better locate parking on the site (shorter walking distance for visitors),” Tonkin senior traffic engineer Bryden Smith wrote in the report.

One of the existing footpaths from the current car park to the casino will be removed and the taxi rank will be shifted to a yet to be determined location.

Planning Action Network convener Nicholas Kirlew said the green lawns and palm trees suited the casino.

“When I go anywhere and I’m going out for a good time I like green space, particularly in the tropics and as it is, it pays homage to where it is,” Mr Kirlew said.

“I feel it will lower the tone of the venue by increasing bitumen space.”

The proposal – drawn up by Masterplan NT – would add 142 new carparks to the casino and four new disabled carparks if the proposal is approved.

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But Mr Kirlew said the casino was missing out on the opportunity to bring more people to the venue.

“They should be running buses, using free transport, taking this opportunity to generate a small minibus route throughout the city and northern suburbs to bring people to the casino,” he said.

“They should teach the NT Government how to promote less car use in our cities.”

Coaches would be restricted to the resort and hotel entrance under the proposal, which would not be affected by the development.

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The plans are on exhibition to the public until Thursday March 5.