World famous Mindil Beach sunset markets in danger of closing for good

DARWIN’S world famous Mindil Beach markets could be at risk of closing for good at the end of this Dry season, with funding desperately needed to maintain their operations

Darwin’s world famous Mindil Beach markets could be at risk of closing for good at the end of this Dry season. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

DARWIN’S world famous Mindil Beach markets could be at risk of closing for good at the end of this Dry season, with funding desperately needed to maintain their operations.

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Mindil Beach Sunset Markets Association general manager Peter Ayre said while he had already received about $30,000 from grants, the markets would still struggle to survive the off season.

“That’s the reality for us, even though the markets are up and running, we only have half the stalls and that is where we gain our revenue,” he said.

“It is relatively significant, a couple of hundred thousand dollars, that’s what we’re short.” Mr Ayre said opening the markets on Thursdays wouldn’t provide a solution.

“It sounds like Thursday should help but the problem is with the number of stallholders, we basically just cover the cost of running the market, we don’t cover the wider things like marketing, rental of office.

“It wouldn’t bring any extra money.

“I’m quite confident to the end of the season … it’s continuing on for the next which will be the issue.”

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Mr Ayre said he was thankful for Darwin council’s support, having waived rent fees on the market site.