City of Darwin is calling on the community to share their final feedback on the draft Bundilla Beach area master plan as part of a second phase of engagement on the project.
A range of views about the future use and management of the Bundilla Beach area across the short, medium and long term were received during the first phase of engagement, conducted in late 2023. This feedback has informed the draft master plan's design principles:
- A Connected Community - support safe and accessible pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle connections to enhance use by all members of the community.
- An Environmental Resource - protect and enhance the natural environments, which also provide the basis for passive recreation activities and enjoyment of the area.
- A Foreshore for Everyone - maximise access to and use of the foreshore area for the entire community, whether it be for exercising, enjoying street food or watching a spectacular sunset.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis thanked those who shared their views in the first stage of engagement and encouraged people to share their feedback on the draft master plan.
"The draft master plan aims to activate and transform the amenity of the area, and captures the short, medium and long-term plans for the space," Mr Vatskalis said.
"The community's aspirations for Bundilla Beach are very clear; people want the reserve to be activated and function as a cool, green and natural space to be used for leisure and recreation, and the draft master plan delivers that.
"Another strong sentiment in the feedback from the first phase of engagement was that the entire area, particularly the foreshore, should be retained for community use," he said.
Construction of the Bundilla Beach master plan will be split into three stages, with Stage One delivering more public lighting and CCTV; a new dog park; a 3 x 3 basketball court; landscaping and more green spaces; new pathways to improve connectivity and more toilets, BBQ tables and shelters.
Stage One works will also see a new monument commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, supported by a $300,000 contribution from the Australian Government.
Construction on Stage One of the master plan is expected to commence during dry season 2024.
The medium and longer-term stages of the draft master plan will see:
- significant native plantings across the site, with up to 85 per cent canopy coverage in some areas
- enhanced recreational opportunities through provision of fishing platforms on the lagoon; skateable surfaces integrated into path networks; and a water play area
- expansion of the beachfront recreation and leisure area, featuring beachfront viewing platforms; extension of pathway network; and additional park furniture. The expansion of the beachfront area will be made possible through the realignment of Atkins Drive
- new entry into the reserve through addition of a roundabout and formal parking off East Point Drive to provide safe and easy access to the reserve.
City of Darwin has invested $500,000, supported by a $3 million commitment from the Northern Territory Government, to develop the master plan and deliver the first stage of works.
People can have their say on the draft Bundilla Beach master plan until Wednesday 1 May 2024. Once the master plan has been finalised, it will be shared publicly.
To share feedback on the draft Bundilla Beach master plan, visit engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/draft-bundilla-beach-masterplan
