Bundilla Beach masterplan in final round of community consultation

A masterplan aiming to enhance and develop the Bundilla Beach area has opened up for the final round of community consultation. Find out what that involves.

An artist's impression of the Bundilla Beach masterplan. Picture: Supplied

Improved lighting, green spaces and a 3x3 basketball court are some of the enhancements the Darwin Council are hoping to add as part of their Bundilla Beach master plan.

The plan will undergo a final round of community consultation as Darwin Council strive to make the location and active hub for people in the future.

Construction at Bundilla Beach is set to begin during the Dry Season and will be split into three stages.

Stage One is supported by a $300,000 contribution, and aims to deliver more public lighting and CCTV, a new dog park, a 3x3 basketball court, landscaping and more green spaces.

It will also include new pathways to improve connectivity in the region, more toilets, BBQ tables and shelters, as well as a new monument marking the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy.

Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis and City of Darwin chief executive Simone Saunders with the Bundilla Beach master plan draft. Picture: Supplied

Mayor Kon Vatskalis thanked those who shared their views in the first stage of engagement and encouraged people to share their feedback on the draft master plan.

“The draft master plan aims to activate and transform the amenity of the area, and captures the short, medium and long-term plans for the space,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The community’s aspirations for Bundilla Beach are very clear; people want the reserve to be activated and function as a cool, green and natural space to be used for leisure and recreation.

“Another strong sentiment in the feedback from the first phase of engagement was that the entire area, particularly the foreshore, should be retained for community use.”

The medium and longer term stages of the plan include significant native plantings with up to 85 per cent canopy coverage.

Short term works in the Bundilla Beach master plan draft. Picture: Supplied

There will be enhanced recreational opportunities with fishing platforms on the lagoon, skateable surfaces and a water play area.

The beachfront recreation and leisure area will be expanded with beachfront viewing platforms and additional park furniture, while a new entry will and parking zone will be formed off East Point Drive.

Darwin Council has invested $500,000 to develop the plan, while a $3m commitment has come in from the NT government.

Fannie Bay MLA Brent Potter said the development would add plenty to an area that had previously been under-utilised.

“Bundilla Beach has long been an under-utilised area so it is fantastic to see the commitment I made to revitalise the space progressing,” he said.

“This is the final chance for our local community to have a say on how this area will transform long into the future.”

People can have their say on the draft Bundilla Beach master plan until May 1 by visiting engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/draft-bundilla-beach-masterplan