Rising costs impact plans for Darwin waterpark

The Northern Territory Government’s plans to attract private sector investors to develop an international standard  waterpark in Darwin has been hit by a threefold rise in costs.

When the plan to build a “Bali-style waterpark” was announced by Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner in April last year, it came with a pledge of $500,000 of public money for a feasibility study.

However, budget documents show the cost this financial year blew out to $575,000 with a further $1.15 million to be injected into the project in 2018/19

Chief Minister Gunner defended the waterpark plan in Parliament last week, saying it would help make Darwin a destination in its own right, rather than a gateway to other attractions.

He advised “we believe there is a business case for this.

“We think this is going to be a fantastic opportunity for Darwin and the NT and we think this is something that will drive significant visitor numbers to Darwin.”

A Government spokesman said the extra money allocated next financial year would be spent in part on project management and legal and contract services.

A long anticipated on the next stage of the waterpark project is expected shortly.

Image: Artists impression of the planned water theme park.

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