Work Begins on Little Mindil
21 Jan 2010
SKYCITY Darwin began work today on transforming the site known as Little Mindil.As part of SKYCITY Darwin’s commitment to develop a tropical tourist resort on the Gala lawns, the first stage in the project is to redevelop the Little Mindil land into lush lawns and gardens comparable to SKYCITY’s current grounds, and enabling major dry season events such as the Qantas Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball to continue to be staged at SKYCITY Darwin. The majority of time SKYCITY will not be using Little Mindil and it will be open for public recreation.
SKYCITY has worked closely with many stakeholders in developing the vision for Little Mindil, and in particular The NT Government, Darwin City Council, Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority and Larrakia community representatives.
Little Mindil works have been split into three stages, the first of which is to construct three bridges across the creek on the seaside of Gilruth Avenue. The first stage has been awarded to local company Steelcon Constructions NT. One bridge will provide access for an extension to the existing public car park; the second bridge is for vehicles and SKYCITY staff servicing major events. The final bridge, located on the foreshore, will provide the link for pedestrians to access Mindil Beach from Cullen Bay via Nurses Walk.
The second stage of the project has been awarded to Larrakia Environmental Services, which will undertake the upgrade of the creek and escarpment. This involves removing noxious weeds and replanting with native species unique to the Mindil beach area.
SKYCITY’s General Manager, Andrew Wilson says “SKYCITY has committed to the NT Government to be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the escarpment and creek vegetation. As part of the landscaping works, SKYCITY is also extensively enhancing the Council owned road reserve abutting Gilruth Avenue at no cost to Council.”
The third stage of the project is to create cycle/pedestrian paths from Gilruth Avenue across the Council road reserve and along the creek to the foreshore. A pathway will also be built from the base of Nurses Walk along the top of the dunes to the new footbridge crossing the creek.
Mr Wilson says “Story boards are being developed with the Larrakia and will be placed along the creek pathways providing opportunities for the public to learn about the rich history of the area both of the indigenous community and early settlers that came to Darwin.”
All works is scheduled to be complete for major 2010 dry season events and use by the public as they have done so in the past but within a significantly enhanced environment. This includes re-grassing, a sealed 230 bay car park, extensive tree planting, and event related services for major functions will be undertaken including public lighting to enhance public safety.
For further information please contact:
Tanya Pederick
Sales & Marketing Manager, SKYCITY Darwin
Phone: +61 8 8943 8846
Fax: +61 8 8943 8834
Mobile: +61 401 451 778
E-mail:
Tanya.pederick@skycitydarwin.com.au
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