$232k spent to maintain Cavenagh St shade structure in less than two years

The NT government has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to maintain a controversial shade structure in less than two years, including to fix damage after a truck ran into it.

The Cavenagh St shade structure

A controversial shade structure has cost taxpayers about $232k to maintain since July 2022.

An NT government spokesperson said it cost $155k in the 2022-23 financial year and $77k in the 2023-24 financial year – as of April 2024 – to maintain the Cavenagh St shade structure.

The funds cover the structure’s supply and installation of mulch, pruning, weed control, monthly irrigation audits, traffic control, and elevated work platforms for training the vines across the structure.

It was also used to repair damage caused by an “overheight truck”.

Infrastructure, Planning, and Logistics Minister Joel Bowden said the vines used for the $2.7m project were not growing “as fast as anyone would like.

Mr Bowden said other projects using vines, such as one in Cullen Bay, had proven more successful.

“We’re looking at other ideas to address this,” he said.

“Ongoing proactive maintenance to support the growth of the current vine will continue until a viable, cost effective solution can be identified.

“Some of the options that we may consider include alternative vines.”

The Cavenagh St Shade Structure as of June 17 2021. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Bowden said there was “no temperature data available” in response to written questions from the CLP’s Gerard Maley, despite the structure’s purpose being to cool Cavenagh St.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said the CLP would find a “permanent solution for the shadeless shade structure and stop the waste”.

“The disrespect Labor has shown Territory taxpayers and the way they have wasted money is dragging the Territory backwards,” she said.

“While Territorians are doing it tough, and restrained in the things they can afford to do, Labor is spending taxpayer money with a total lack of priorities.

“The time for building above ground ‘underground car parks’ and ‘shadeless’ shade structures is over.“