All three levels of government have signed a $200 million Darwin City Deal which is hoped will boost the local economy and cement the Northern Territory capital’s position for generations to come.

The Prime Minister said the Darwin City Deal builds on the Government’s commitment of more than $1.5 billion to develop northern Australia and infrastructure investments in the Northern Territory. 

“Darwin is already a great place to live and work and our investment in long-term infrastructure will ensure it remains such an attractive destination,” he said.

Immediate investment of $100 million each from the Federal Government and the Northern Territory Government will support the creation of a new education and civic precinct on Cavenagh Street featuring a new Charles Darwin University campus as well as retail, commercial and community spaces.

Other projects include a new art gallery to be constructed in State Square, establishment of a process to redevelop Defence-owned land at Stokes Hill, and transformation of public spaces in the CBD. 

A new Urban Living Lab led by the CSIRO will test and evaluate improvements in Darwin’s liveability, sustainability and resilience.

The Deal targets 8.8 per cent share of jobs held by Indigenous Australians and 3 per cent supplier-use target for City Deal projects and $2 million to support the Larrakia Development Corporation’s economic development aspirations.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the City Deal was a commitment from all three levels of government to the planning needed to support Darwin’s future growth.

“We want to see Darwin thrive and initiatives like the new education precinct will mean an influx of students is in the city centre, boosting demand for cafes, restaurants, bars and retail stores,” Mr Tudge said.

The Property Council of Australia welcomed the announcement, calling it "a historic win for the Property Council's advocacy agenda". However, the Council also called on the Territory Government to drop its "damaging" vacant land tax so that property owners in the Darwin CBD can secure the full benefits of the proposed Deal.

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