City Left Out Of Council’s Own Budget
MEDIA RELEASE
CITY LEFT OUT OF COUNCIL’S OWN BUDGET
The Property Council is deeply disappointed with the release of the City of Darwin’s 2018 budget and the absence of any new funding, fee waivers or other real incentives to revitalise Darwin CBD.
Property Council of Australia’s Northern Territory Executive Ruth Palmer said that City of Darwin must do its fair share tofix and revitalise the CBD.
“The Northern Territory Government’s recent budget announcement commenced the huge task of revitalising CBD, however, without real support or funding from the City of Darwin it becomes that much harder to achieve.
“The City of Darwin needs to reconsider their decision to not commit any new funding for the city.
“In the past we have advocated for a separate smaller governmental body to cover the CBD which may also consider including the Waterfront.
“We are concerned that a different skill set is required to successfully operate a well performing Capital City versus operating suburban community infrastructure and services.
“There is increasing potential of a conflict of interest within council; as funds raised in the city are being used as general revenue rather than being reinvested back into the city itself.
“This is due to the majority of Darwin City councillors represent areas outside the city and they have a vested interest in keeping these funds for their own electorates.
“The incorporation of a new governmental body might be the centralised driving forced needed to revitalise the CBD.”
Media contact: Ruth Palmer | M 0450 428 314 | E rpalmer@propertycouncil.com.au