Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher

Darwin City Deal continues to revitalise city

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher inspects work on the Education and Community Precinct.

The Darwin City Deal, an historic agreement between three levels of government, remains on track to transform Darwin into a more vibrant and liveable tropical city.

Launching the Annual Progress Report in Darwin, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the report highlights how the City Deal is delivering jobs and boosting the economy at a critical period in the Territory’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The centrepiece of the Deal, the $250 million Charles Darwin University’s Education and Community Precinct, started construction in October 2020 and is on track to transform the city centre,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Construction is providing crucial stimulus and jobs, with 730 jobs expected to be created over the next four years.

“All levels of government are working closely together as we mark the second anniversary of the Deal and there’s no doubt this investment is helping Darwin become a more liveable and vibrant capital.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the Deal was a win-win for the Territory.

“The transformation will get more people into the guts of our city.

“On one hand, the projects mean more construction work for Territory tradies.

“On the other, the upgrades will drive more foot traffic into local businesses, which will keep the Territory economy ticking over.

“The new Education and Community Precinct will also help attract domestic and international students to the Top End, and it’s estimated they will bring around $600 million into the local economy over the next three decades,” NMr Gunner said

The City Deal is a joint initiative of the Australian and Northern Territory governments and the City of Darwin.

The Darwin City Deal 2020 Annual Progress Report is available at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated/cities/city-deals/darwin/files/darwin-2020-annual-progress-report.pdf