Council finally begins city beautification project, two years after cyclone Marcus

SUBURBAN hubs will receive a makeover across Darwin as part of council’s streetscape beautification program

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis and Richardson Ward alderman George Lambrinidis begin landscaping works at Wagaman shops, one of eight across Darwin municipality. Picture: Che Chorley

SUBURBAN hubs will receive a makeover across Darwin as part of council’s streetscape beautification program.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the projects will use plants which require minimal maintenance, are suited to Top End conditions.

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“Our focus is on planting the right tree in the right place and we expect these trees to thrive and add real vibrancy to these local areas,” he said.

“There will be more tress, more grass more green areas, something thing for people to enjoy.”

Mr Vatskalis said time had taken its toll on a number of prominent verges and landscapes across Darwin including the Wagaman shops, which until yesterday were baron, dry and hot.

“The residents deserve to have this sort of (upgrades), in Wagaman, in Nightcliff, in Cullen Bay,” he said.

“It will make people want to out of their houses and come here, buy their take away or a drink and sit down and enjoy it in the park.”

The $1.6 million for the project has been divided among two projects in each of the four wards, including works at Progress Dr and Nightcliff Rd, Smith St and Mitchell St, the Anula and Wulagi green belts and Bradshaw Tce.

Darwin parks and reserves senior co-ordinator Jamie Lewis said diversity was the key in planting trees.

“We’re looking to incorporate tropical flowering plants, native evergreen plants, small shrubs,” he said. “We’re trying a bit of everything but also the right try in the right place.”

Mr Lewis said it could take a decade before the planted trees provide shade and cooled the city.

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“In six, eight, 10 years we should have some good shade through here but it will look better instantly,” he said.