The previous territory government announced a $19.2 million investment in the convention centre to increase seating in the venue to 5,550 seats.
“Prior to the election, we said we would identify $185 million in savings measures and reprioritisations to help fund our election commitments,” said the Northern Territory’s new treasurer Bill Yan.
“We have commenced this work and taken the decisions to pause the undergrounding of high-voltage powerlines running along corridors in Darwin, suspend negotiations with the NBL about a local franchise, and as result of that, defer the upgrade to the Darwin Convention Centre.”
The three projects that have been paused are expected to save the territory budget $115 million, which is being combined with an additional $85 million in savings on other “unfunded obligations…that were not on the books” according to a government statement.
“That is $200 million we currently do not have, which would have been funded by debt,” said Yan.
“The CLP Government is committed to living within its means and has already begun identifying areas where existing funding can be redirected towards higher priority initiatives.
“All three projects have their merits, and I’m sure there will be some Territorians who disagree with these decisions.
“However, had Labor not racked up $9 billion in debt in the past eight years, with little lasting legacy to show for it, we may be in a different position.”
The current Country Liberal Party government came to power in August in a landslide victory against the sitting Labour Government.
Darwin Convention Centre’s general manager, Peter Savoff, told micenet the venue accepted the government’s decision.
“Darwin Convention Centre accepts the decision of the NT Government to defer the planned upgrade of the centre, understanding that its election commitments take priority in these first crucial days of their new government,” said Savoff.
“In time, we hope this may lead to a rethink of how best to upgrade the centre, including the consideration of a potential expansion of its facilities,” he added.
