$27m plan to restore lifestyle in Alice Springs

By PETER ROWE

The new Northern Territory Government has announced a $27 million package of infrastructure projects to rebuild the economy, and restore lifestyle in Alice Springs.

The plan focuses on delivering projects that prioritise children and community well-being with $1.8m for a new regional skatepark at Newland Park with funding contributions from ASTC and $4 million from the Australian Government.

$450,000 will also be allocated for free pool access at the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre during summer holidays, Saturday afternoons and all-day Sunday, the reinstatement of ANZAC Oval to enhance recreational opportunities and the development of new sporting facilities in Gillen, including upgrades at Jim McConville Oval.

$14.96m will be added to the towards the ASTC’s $5 million contribution to construct a new Alice Springs Town Council Library.

And there’s $5m to establish a new Multicultural Centre to celebrate and support Alice Springs’ diverse cultural landscape.

“As part our plan to rebuild the economy, we are delivering projects to improve tourism and a new visitor information centre to welcome tourists to town,” Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said.

Josh Burgoyne, the Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, said the new government was taking decisive action to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the city.

“By creating vibrant spaces where our community can thrive, we are building a safer, more inclusive place for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson said improving liveability for residents of Alice Springs was the council’s No.1 priority.

“We’re thrilled to work with the Northern Territory Government to build infrastructure that will have a positive impact on residents for generations to come,” he said.

“The diversity of our community is one of the things I love most about Alice Springs, and that is further strengthened with this announcement. Along with the boost to tourism, this is a really exciting day for our community.”