• City of Darwin is calling on the public to have their say on the draft 2026/27 Municipal Plan with community consultation closing on Wednesday 20 May at 4:00 pm. 

• City of Darwin proposes a 5.5% increase in general rates, including just a 4% rise in kerbside collection fees – the proposed rates rise equates to an average of 4% annual increase over the past two years.  

• The draft 2026/27 Municipal Plan outlines City of Darwin’s priority projects, services and programs for the coming financial year as well as the budget for delivery of these initiatives.  

City of Darwin is inviting public feedback on the draft 2026/27 Municipal Plan, which focuses on prioritising essential services and continuing investment in critical infrastructure to ensure the city is operating at its best. 

For the 2026/27 financial year, City of Darwin proposes to increase general rates by 5.5 per cent. This equates to an increase of $104.99 per year or $2.02 per week for a single dwelling property.  

Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the Municipal Plan and Annual Budget has a focus of resetting with priorities in essential infrastructure, asset renewal and long-term sustainability. 

“We understand the pressures of the rising cost of living and the impact this is having on households and businesses across the community. 

“In setting this year’s budget, we have carefully balanced these pressures with the need to maintain essential services and invest in critical infrastructure,” he said. 

“We remain committed to delivering value for money, ensuring every dollar is spent responsibly and in a way that supports the long-term sustainability of our city.” 

Stormwater upgrades and reconstruction have been identified as a critical program and will deliver a $4.5 million program, more than double the investment from the previous financial year.  

“More than 130 billion litres of water move through our stormwater system each day, an asset that supports daily life, protects homes and businesses, and keeps our city functioning during the wet season.  

Road resurfacing and renewal is critical to maintain the 475 km roading network across the municipality, he said.  

“We have invested $3.55 million into this road program, an increase of $1.65 million from the previous financial year,” he said. 

“This investment will deliver better road surfaces, reduce potholes, and improve the overall lifespan of the road network, while also reducing the need for ongoing costly maintenance into the future.” 

Key projects include a $640,000 investment for Yanyula Drive, $400,000 for the Vanderlin Drive Service Road, $400,000 for Narrows Road, and $267,000 for Gardens Hill Crescent.  

In addition, the 2026/27 road reconstruction program consists of three major projects totalling $4.45 million. 

Road reconstruction works are planned for Lee Point Road, the intersection of Aralia Street and Banksia Street in Nightcliff, and the intersection of Bishop Street and Benison Road in Winnellie. 

“Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility will see a new waste cell, internal roading upgrades, cell capping and a new stormwater detention basin from the allocated $3.4 million.” 

“These works will support the effective management of community and business waste across the Northern Territory, recognising that waste management is complex, essential and rising in cost, while continuing to improve efficiency and increase waste diversion,” he said. 

Continued alignment with the 2030 Greening Darwin strategy sees $10 million allocated to the maintenance of our parks. 

“Enhancing canopy cover, especially after Cyclone Fina, continues to be a priority with $3.3 million allocated to tree planting and maintenance.” 

The annual playground renewal program will see upgrades and refurbishments to Clancy Park in Fannie Bay, and Malabar Park in Larrakeyah, and the continued construction of the new regional play space, Waters Ward Muligeneration Recreation Space.  

The 2026/27 year sees construction continue on the new Civic Centre building, building on the great progress. Another key milestone for the year will be the community consultation and engagement project for the Civic Plaza and Precinct to ensure the public is involved in shaping the future vision for the site. 

“Supporting our community through grants and sponsorships is allocated $1.65 million as an important investment in delivering a diverse range of events, programs and initiatives that bring people together, support wellbeing and enhance community life,” Mr Styles said.  

Highlights of the 2026/27 Municipal Plan include: 

• $23.56 million on capital works program  

• $4.4 million to stormwater upgrades and reconstruction 

• $3.55 million for roads resurfacing and renewal 

• $2.05 million investment in sports and recreation facility, including stage 2 of the Waters Ward Multigenerational Recreation Space, playground and softfall refurbishment and a land-based fishing platform at Bundilla 

• $5.3 million for libraries 

• $31.92 million in waste management  

• $10 million for maintaining our parks, including $3.3 million for tree planting and maintenance 

• $2 million for animal management 

• $1.6 million on supporting our community through sponsorship, grants and in-kind support 

• $1.75 million in creating a safer Darwin, including the Safer Cities program and the public places and suburban ranger programs. 

• $9.2 million to support connectivity and accessibility, including road and path networks 

“We are committed to ensuring Darwin remains a welcoming, inclusive and energetic city where everyone can participate and feel a sense of belonging,” Mr Styles said.  

The community is encouraged to provide feedback on City of Darwin’s draft 2026/27 Municipal Plan by 4:00 pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026. 

To read a copy of the draft plan and have your say, visit engage.darwin.nt.gov.au, or find copies at City of Darwin public libraries.