The Northern Territory Planning Commission is creating a strategic area plan for Central Darwin – from Frances Bay and the Waterfront through to Cullen Bay and all areas in between. When complete, the Central Darwin Area Plan will provide long-term guidance for land use and development that will strengthen Central Darwin as the heart of a vibrant, functional, and attractive capital city.

Chairperson of the NT Planning Commission, David Ritchie, said an area plan for Central Darwin would bring together previous work and consultation with the views and aspirations of the community right now.

The Northern Territory Planning Commission’s primary role is to prepare integrated strategic plans in consultation with the community. The Northern Territory Government has initiated a range of projects aimed at revitalising the Darwin CBD and while these are distinct from the Planning Commission project, the Central Darwin Area Plan will provide a framework to guide all land use into the long term.

“Darwin City is the commercial, cultural, administrative, tourist, and civic heart of both the region and the Northern Territory.”

“By building on what we already know about the area, we can create an Area Plan that encourages the integration of the CBD with surrounding areas, identifies appropriate areas for growth or change, and guides the efficient delivery of necessary infrastructure and services,” David Ritchie said.

Stage 1 of the Central Darwin area planning process launches with the release of a discussion paper and dedicated web page on the NT Planning Commission website. David Ritchie said the public is invited to attend pop-up stalls, information sessions, and drop in sessions across the city and surrounding suburbs over the coming weeks.

Feedback received during this stage will help the Planning Commission prepare a draft area plan that will be taken back to the community for comment in Stage 2 of the project.

“We would like to hear views and ideas from interested people. I encourage residents, landowners, businesses, and other users of the Central Darwin area to become involved and contribute positively to the area-planning process,” David Ritchie concluded.

Dates and times for stalls and information sessions, the discussion paper, and details about how you can have your say are all available on the Commission’s website www.planningcommission.nt.gov.au

Submissions can be made online or by mail from today until Friday 24 November 2017.

Media – for further information contact 08 8946 5135