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Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 25 October 2022 [page 21+].

14.3 DARWIN OVAL CAR PARK CONSULTATION

Author:

Authoriser: Attachments:

Executive Manager Marketing, Communications and Engagement Executive Manager Technical Services

Chief Executive Officer Nil

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. THAT the report entitled Darwin Oval Car Park Consultation be received and noted.
2. THAT Council, based on the outcomes of the consultation undertaken, endorse to retain the Darwin Oval Car Park site in its current form.

Item 14.3

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Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 25 October 2022

DISCUSSION

The car park, as well as accommodating public parking, it is used as a hard stand for public events, including the Greek GleNTi and the Bombing of Darwin and ANZAC Day commemoration services. It is also understood the site area holds cultural significance to the traditional owners of the Darwin region, the Larrakia people.

In September 2022, letters were sent to the Darwin Oval Car Park permit holders (15 holders), as well as the key stakeholders (10) to gain an understanding of recipients’ preferences for the use of the Darwin Oval Car Park site:

Should their preference be to convert all or part of the site into green space, recipients were asked to share their aspirations and requirements for the use of the site in this capacity.

Recipients were also advised that any program of works to convert the site into a green space would be subject to a budget approval process to commit public funds to the project, and that there were no other development proposals for the site at the time of contact.

Permit holders were advised that non-response being provided by the consultation closing date would be considered as support to retain the site as a car park.

Results of the consultation are as follows:

Response received – Carpark holders

Response received – Key Stakeholders

Retain as car park

3 (retain)

3 (1 retain & 2 green)

52%

30% 70% 33.3% 66.6%
Further to an extract of the report presented to Council on 26 April 2022, it was provided that;

The estimated cost of “greening” the Darwin Oval Car Park is $1,140,000, with the estimated ongoing maintenance cost at $20,000 per Financial Year. There is currently no funding for these works within Council’s Budget or Long-Term Financial Plan.

20%

80% 100% 0%

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Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 25 October 2022

The Darwin Oval Car Park consists of 73 parking bays, composed of 54 general, 17 reserved and two disabled parking bays. This Car Park is heavily utilised, with an estimated revenue of $324 and $111 per day from the general and reserved parking bays respectively. This equates to a total revenue of approximately $435 per day or $108,750 per annum (assuming two weeks of free parking over Christmas/New Year). This car parking stock and income would be lost through its “greening”.

Carpark permit holders indicated via response or via by exclusion that they all support the retention of the space as a car park.

Only 3 of the key users/stakeholders responded to request to provide comment and 2 of these indicated to green the space.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL RESOLUTION

At the 26 April 2022 meeting Council resolved:

14.3 DARWIN OVAL CARPARK

RESOLUTION ORD001/22

Moved: Councillor Jimmy Bouhoris Seconded: Councillor Paul Arnold

1. THAT the report entitled Darwin Oval Carpark be received and noted.
2. THAT the “greening” of the Darwin Oval Car Park, The Esplanade be deferred, to enable consultation with key stakeholders, consideration of the impacts as outlined in this report and to identify project funding and that a report return to Council by 2nd Ordinary in August.

In Favour: Councillors Paul Arnold, Jimmy Bouhoris, Sylvia Klonaris, Brian O'Gallagher, Mick Palmer, Peter Pangquee, Vim Sharma, Ed Smelt and Amye Un

Against: Councillors Justine Glover, Morgan Rickard and Rebecca Want de Rowe

CARRIED 9/3

At the 24 November 2020 meeting Council resolved:

Council Resolution ORD395/20 – 2nd Ord Council Meeting – Open – 24 November 2020 - Notice of Motion - Darwin Cenotaph Carpark Greening

13.1 Notice of Motion - Darwin Cenotaph Carpark Greening

I, Alderman Justine Glover, give notice that at the next Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 November 2020, I move the following motion:

RESOLUTION ORD002/20

1. THAT Council approve that the existing carpark at the Esplanade be replaced with a green, open space to support the transformation of the city centre into a greener, cooler, walkable city, whilst ensuring access and support for military and community events.
2. THAT Council consult with the Larrakia Nation to discuss impact on surrounding cultural sites.
3. THAT Council receive a report on landscaping option the existing carpark at the Esplanade.
4. THAT Council approve that funding for the development of an application/podcast to

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Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 25 October 2022

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