Northern Territory signs city deal with Federal Government

A NEW City Deal for Darwin is in the works through an agreement signed between the Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments, the NT News can reveal

The Darwin skyline. Picture: TAURI MINOGUE PHOTOGRAPHY/DARWIN PORT

A NEW City Deal for Darwin is in the works through an agreement signed between the Northern Territory and Federal governments, the NT News can reveal.

It means Darwin is a step closer to securing much-needed federal funds to transform the NT’s capital into the vibrant, international tropical city it deserves.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the signed memorandum of understanding was an indication the Federal Government could soon match the NT Government’s $100 million commitment for the Darwin CBD.

“Today we have moved a big step closer to an official City Deal which is excellent news and we welcome the Federal Government’s commitment to this partnership — it will be crucial to revitalising the Darwin CBD,” he said.

“We have listened to concerns from business and have taken action by allocating $100 million and outlining plans to revive the Darwin CBD.

“The Darwin CBD needs serious investment to bring it back to life because a thriving capital city is important for the entire Territory.”

The agreement comes on the back of the NT News’ Let’s Make the Territory Greater campaign, which has heaped pressure on governments to build a better Northern Territory. If everything comes together, Darwin would join Townsville, Launceston and Western Sydney in signing full City Deals through the Smart Cities scheme worth hundreds of millions. Launceston signed their MOU last September and inked the City Deal in April.

The City Deal program will also include Darwin council and involve a partnership to develop a sustainable and realistic investment and planning strategy for the CBD.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the MOU brings the Territory closer to a full deal. “It is anticipated that every lever of the Commonwealth, State Government and local government will work together to create jobs and a more liveable city that grows the Northern Australian economy,” Mr Turnbull said in a statement.

The MOU outlines areas to collaborate on including transforming the city “into a world-class tropical tourist and cultural destination” through support for innovative private and public sector infrastructure investments, creating jobs by supporting skills and industry development, improving housing affordability and improving the “livability, amenity and attractiveness of the city centre”.

The MOU also recognises “Darwin’s proximity to Asia and opportunities in Defence and agribusiness, and removing barriers to employment”, the Prime Minister’s Office said. The Territory Budget outlined $100 million in new spending commitments by the Gunner Government to rejuvenate the Darwin CBD including finishing State Square, moving part of the Charles Darwin University campus to the CBD and a new museum at the old hospital site.

“A lot of planning work is already underway with a lot more to go. We have to get this right,” Mr Gunner said in April. “We will be unveiling plans in November this year and we expect to start work on construction of parts of this project in 2017-18.”

Darwin council earlier this month budgeted $500,000 to be diverted from the Esplanade walking and bike path into CBD rejuvenation. But council did not outline where that money was to be spent.

Mr Gunner said at the time he was disappointed council did not offer more money and more vision. Council would need to come on board for the NT Government to secure the funding attached to the City Deal. Private sector investors would also play a major role in helping unlock the federal cash. In announcing the deal, Mr Gunner acknowledged the Let’s Make the Territory Greater campaign.

“We have already seen how the NT News, in partnership with other media organisations, led an award-winning campaign on fuel prices in the NT,” he said.

“We welcome the NT News’ support for a vibrant Northern Territory and recognise the positive impact of the Let’s Make The Territory Greater campaign.”