Local Area Traffic Management and Liveability Project – Koolinda Crescent, Karama

City of Darwin wishes to advise that we will be upgrading Koolinda Crescent, Karama and its surrounding area. The objective of the upgrade is to enhance road safety for all road users and improve the liveability of the area. This project aligns with City of Darwin’s Place and Liveability Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Movement Strategy, Greening Darwin Strategy, and Climate Emergency Strategy.

To reduce vehicle speeds and safety along Koolinda Crescent, the project proposes:

• Painting parking lanes along Koolinda Crescent
• Three pedestrian refuges located near the Karama Shopping Centre site, Robyn Lesley Park, and the Koolinda Crescent/Mueller Street intersection
• Reconstruction of the children’s crossing and footpath
• Widening the road intersection at Koolinda crescent/ Kalymnos Drive 

Community Engagement 

We are pleased to advise that we have finalised the design for our road safety and liveability projects for Koolinda Crescent, which has been informed by our engagement process that ran from November 2025 to February 2026.

The engagement process included letter drops to nearby residents, social media campaigns, website updates, a kid’s art competition, and direct engagement with local schools, encouraging people to participate via the Liveability Platform’s Neighbourhood Streets and Places Tool.  Through this tool, community members assessed Koolinda Crescent in their current state and shared ideas to help make the area more liveable.

What the community told us:

Feedback highlighted strong community support for improvements that sit within City of Darwin’s realm of responsibilities. In particular, residents called for:

• More public art and activation, helping to bring colour, creativity and community pride to local streets.
• Improved accessibility, including better footpaths, ramps and pedestrian crossing facilities.
• Upgraded Park amenities, such as additional shade, seating, water bubblers, exercise equipment and fenced playgrounds.
• Better cleanliness and maintenance of public spaces.
• Increased shade and tree planting to improve comfort and reduce heat.

These themes have been instrumental in guiding the next steps for both projects.

Construction 

Construction works to commence in May 2026 and are expected to be completed by mid-August 2026. Works along Koolinda Crescent include :

• Painted road line markings.
• Reconstruction of the children's crossing and adjacent footpath at Karama Primary School.
• Widening of the intersection at Koolinda Crescent and Kalymnos Drive.
• Construction of several pedestrian refuge islands.
• Installation of a park bench.

Construction machinery will be in operation, and some noise should be anticipated during this period. Traffic control measures will be in place, please adhere to all signage and traffic directions where required. 

Artworks 

In response to strong interest in public art, City of Darwin staff have met with representatives from the Darwin Street Art Festival to explore opportunities to include these areas in future festival programs. We have also encouraged private building owners in the area to consider doing the same.

City of Darwin thanks all community members who took the time to provide feedback or submit artwork. Their input is helping shape safer, greener and more vibrant streets for everyone in the neighbourhood.

Digitisation of the 10 winning artworks is underway, with vinyl wrapping of selected street infrastructure expected to commence in June 2026 and is expected to be completed by August 2026.

darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au  

Responsible Officer: Don Chatura, Senior Design Officer