City of Darwin has adopted a record $91.5 million record capital works budget, as part of its 2021/22 Municipal Plan.

When Council asked the community about Council’s 2021-22 Municipal Plan and Budget, the majority of feedback received was about the reintroduction of outdoor dining fees.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said: “Council made the decision to extend the period for not charging outdoor dining fees for another 12 months.

“We’re actively listening to the views of our community, that is why we undertake consultation, and on this occasion, there has been a positive outcome.

“We also made this decision taking into consideration the ever changing COVID-19 issues in other states that continues to result in cancellations of our visitors, affecting our tourism and hospitality industry and I’d like to acknowledge Hospitality NT for working with us to achieve this result.

“$91.5 million is the largest capital works budget to ever be committed by this Council, delivering significant infrastructure projects including the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Civic Centre redevelopment and improvements at the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility.

“During the last four years, this Council has worked extremely hard for its community to improve facilities for public use, provide more greening with planting trees and shrubs to beautify the city and suburbs, install more shading to keep areas cooler, making us a smarter and safer city, and working with other partners to grow Darwin and improve the economy.  

“The 2021/22 Municipal Plan and Budget aims to deliver a Better City. Better Suburbs, with the budgeted capital expense spread across the community – it’s a budget for our suburbs,” concluded the Lord Mayor.

A copy of the 2021/22 Municipal Plan and Budget, is available at https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/council/about-council/strategic-and-municip....