Originally published in NT News - Sunday Territorian on 7 June.
As Darwin continues to grow and evolve, City of Darwin is committed to building a greener, more vibrant and connected city while enhancing the qualities that make our neighbourhoods great places to live.
At the recent Ordinary Council meeting, Council endorsed a new Road Verge Planting Policy designed to make it easier for residents to contribute to a greener, more sustainable Darwin.
The new policy simplifies the verge planting process for residents with the intent to encourage more sustainable planting on road verges by property owners, helping to enhance Darwin's streetscapes.
Where a resident wishes to have a street tree planted, City of Darwin will undertake the planting to ensure the selected species is suited to local conditions and that verges continue to meet safety, accessibility and operational requirements.
Road verges are an important part of our public spaces. They provide safe access for pedestrians and cyclists, accommodate essential services and contribute significantly to the presentation and liveability of our neighbourhoods.
A City of Darwin submission to the Northern Territory Government regarding a proposal to rezone three properties in Stuart Park from Low Density Residential to Low-Medium Density Residential was considered, which would enable increased housing density. While Council supports the principle of increased residential density and recognises the benefits of greater housing diversity, urban renewal and the more efficient use of existing infrastructure, Council maintains that growth should occur in accordance with strategic planning developed through community consultation, rather than through separate Planning Scheme Amendments.
Under the Planning Act 1999, land use planning is primarily the responsibility of the Northern Territory Government. City of Darwin, as a local government authority, provides input to the planning process and advocates for local community interests.
The proposed Planning Scheme Amendment was not supported at this time, as it would be more appropriately considered through a strategic review of the Darwin Inner Suburbs Area Plan (DISAP) led by the Northern Territory Government and the Northern Territory Planning Commission.
This position aligns with the City of Darwin Place and Liveability Plan 2050, while not part of the statutory planning framework, the Plan reflects City of Darwin's role in representing community interests and supporting transparent planning processes.
Both reports reflect City of Darwin's ongoing commitment to practical, community-focused policies that support sustainability, enhance neighbourhood amenity and contribute to a more liveable city for current and future generations.
