Request for funding to develop several legacy projects
DARWIN council will request several million from the federal government to develop several legacy projects across the municipality
Northern Territory
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DARWIN council will request $297m from the federal government to develop several legacy projects across the municipality, including a $140m upgrade of Lameroo Beach.
The request comes as part of several national funding programs, including the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors Economic Stimulus Proposal, National COVID Construction Commission and the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission.
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It also includes a $24m upgrade of Dick Ward Drive, $8m for an upgrade of Nightcliff Beach and a $10m upgrade of Lee Point Road.
Alderman Mick Palmer said the projects would help create destinations and attractions in Darwin for tourists and locals alike.
However during heavy debate at Darwin Council on Tuesday night, not all aldermen were happy with the process and wanted the proposal withheld so the community could be consulted, which could have left council without any funding while other states prospered from the nationwide handout.
“We’ve never had the chance to debate,” alderman Robyn Knox said.
“This is governance by administration.
“I’m disgusted the way this has happened, we might as well not be here.
“I can’t support this because of the way that it’s come about.”
Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said council wouldn’t be bound by the funding.
“We’re not in normal circumstances, we’ve been asked by the federal government to provide projects to provide economic stimulus,” he said.
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“They didn’t ask for formal details, they asked for a bundle of projects.
“If we get the money every single project in detail will come to council.
“If not, (we) have to go and explain to the people why we were so incompetent to not get the money.
“If we miss this opportunity I don’t think we will be forgiven by the community.”
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