City of Darwin budget 2025-26: Full list of council’s capital works to improve your city this year
Council has unveiled its draft municipal plan for the next financial year. With footpaths, the redevelopment of the Civic Centre and a new Malak recreation space all on the cards, see the full list of where your rates are going.
Northern Territory
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The City of Darwin has unveiled a $148m budget as part of its 2025-2026 draft Municipal Plan, with rates to rise 2.5 per cent.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the draft plan and budget was very much focused on supporting the community while ensuring essential services were kept running.
“This year we decided it’s a tough year for everybody,” he said.
“The cost of living is high so the best thing to do for us is actually to go with the community and maintain our rates as low as possible.
“This year the rate rise will be only 2.5 per cent which is below the CPI.”
In real terms, Mr Vatskalis said this equated to an increase of $0.90 per week for the average residential property.
Kerbside collection has increased by 4 per cent amounting to a rise of $0.27 per week or $14.01 per year.
City of Darwin CEO, Simone Saunders, said in the interests of attracting more people into the CBD, there was no increase in on-street carparking rates.
However, the cost for some permit parking may increase.
Other increases highlighted were animal management registration which is up by 3 per cent and a slight hitch in pool admission.
For example, an adult ticket has risen from $6 to $6.10.
This coming year, the council has allocated $91.5m towards its capital works program.
Around $68m has been assigned towards redeveloping the Civic Centre alongside the multistorey, 410-space carpark.
The building will feature a larger library and community meeting rooms and function space as well as accessible facilities.
At its peak, the construction is projected to create more than 500 jobs and it is hoped the new towering building will help regenerate the area in the city and attract more development.
Fencing has been erected around the carpark with works on the project expected to begin soon.
Another headline in the budget includes $2m earmarked towards the first stage of the new “multigenerational recreation” space in Malak.
The final concept for the space was received and noted at the council meeting on Tuesday, April 29.
The new recreation project in Malak, due to be situated between Darwin Olympic Sporting Club and the school, will include activity areas for all ages.
This is expected to include a ninja course, flying fox, seating areas and textured spaces to help people with alzheimer’s or dementia.
It is set to be released for public consultation at a later date.
Other council infrastructure that will see upgrades over the next year include Malak, Bagot, Gardens and Fannie Bay ovals, Fong Park. Sunset Park, Nightcliff Beach, Lake Alexander and Que Noy Park.
The draft municipal plan is open for community feedback until May 21. Click here to have your say.
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