City of Palmerston has confirmed it will hold rates and its waste service charges at 2019/20 levels this financial year as part of its adopted Municipal Plan and Budget 2020/21.  

The Plan and Budget was confirmed at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting after 28 days of public consultation. 

Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell explained that the process of involving the community in developing each Municipal Plan and Budget by providing opportunity for feedback is an important step. 

“Our community is at the centre of all we do, it’s about the liveability for our families and residents, opportunities for our local businesses, and the sustainability for our city. 

When we develop our Municipal Plan and Budget each year, it is important that we get to hear from the community so we can continue to make Palmerston ‘A Place for People’.” 

The Plan ensures Council continues to deliver and build on services to the community and invests in the ongoing renewal and maintenance of $719 million of community infrastructure. Highlights for this financial year include:

  • No increase from 2019/20 values on all Council fees and charges including property rates and the Waste Service Charge
  • $1 million of expedited capital work projects in partnership with the Northern Territory Government as part of the Special Community Assistance and Local Employment Grant
  • Partnering with the Australian Government for the upgrade of Gray Community Hall
  • Continuing to offer free entry to the Palmerston Pool
  • Providing free all-day parking in our City Centre until 30 September 2020
  • Continuing free community venue hire for our community until 30 September 2020
  • Rates Financial Hardship Applications for both residential and commercial ratepayers
  • Maintaining our City’s capital works program and Council’s significant local spend
  • Maintaining our service levels across the whole Municipality, in all areas. 

Council’s capital budget of $6.139 million is structured to stimulate the economy and improve Palmerston’s liveability. In response to COVID-19, Council will fast track $1 million of capital works to guarantee immediate spend and local jobs for Palmerston people. Projects to be delivered in the 2020/21 financial year include: 

  • $130,000 for the upgrade of Marlow Lagoon Dog Park
  • $130,000 for an audio recording studio at the City of Palmerston Library
  • $1.3 million for Council facilities and building upgrades 
  • $55,000 for shading of playgrounds and open spaces 
  • $250,000 for continuation of Council’s ‘Dark Spots’ upgrades
  • $250,000 for tree planting
  • $2.3 million for road, shared paths and street amenity beautification.

The Municipal Plan and Budget is available to view at Council’s website, www.palmerston.nt.gov.au

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22072020 - City of Palmerston is holding Rates as part of Municipal Plan and Budget adoption.pdf (597.23 KB)