Protesters voice concern at Darwin council meeting over Esplanade plan for rebuilt RSL

DOZENS of members of the Darwin film society and wider community last night voiced their concern over a plan to rebuild the RSL on the Esplanade

Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema ... doozens of members of the Darwin film society last night voiced their concern over a plan to rebuild the fire-ravaged RSL on the Esplanade. Picture: Nt Tourism

• Plan for Darwin RSL to be built on The Esplanade
• Fire tears through Darwin RSL Club in the CBD
• Fire which gutted the Darwin RSL was devastating

DOZENS of members of the Darwin film society and wider community last night voiced their concern over a plan to rebuild the RSL on the Esplanade.

Deckchair Cinema general manager James Parker said from the Darwin council meeting last night that overwhelming community support showed people didn’t want to see the land developed.

“There was an incredible outpouring from the community, they wanted to support the cinema and equally they don’t want a development on the Esplanade,” he said.

“(They feel) the zoning of the carpark is just a loophole to develop the Esplanade and they’re asking … for it not to open up to property development.”

The Darwin RSL on Cavenagh St on the night it was ravaged by a fierce fire. Picture: Supplied

While no official application has been lodged with the council, Mr Parker said the council could still be ensuring the longevity of the Deckchair Cinema and the Esplanade.

“I think council could be doing more … they should have the public interest at heart and recognise the Deckchair Cinema as a major tourist attraction that’s incredibly important for the city,” he said.

“They should be protecting major public assets like that, not considering major developments that would cause divisive issues in the community.”

While the vast majority of the attendees voiced their concern over any proposal, no members from the RSL stepped forward when asked by Darwin council chief executive Scott Waters to share the organisation’s concerns or plans.

The destroyed Darwin RSL on Cavenagh St the morning after it was ravaged by a fire. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Mr Waters said while members of the public had been premature with their reaction it was good to see passion.

“It’s currently a road reserve … council is yet to receive a proposal from the RSL, we are (open) to receive a proposal … we’ll take into account all sides of the argument,” he said.

While no official application has been submitted by the RSL, the Deckchair Cinema told the council construction and operation of the RSL would be too loud for movies to be run, given they already struggle with existing businesses.

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Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis previously said any development would have to take into consideration how it would affect surrounding businesses. Given he is a member of the RSL, Mr Vatskalis said he would remove himself from discussions if a development application was brought to the council.