Council has no cash to support Arafura Games
THE Arafura Games is asking Darwin council to provide more than $25,000, money council says it doesn’t have, to help ensure the games are a success.
A letter from NT Major Events general manager Tim Watsford to Darwin council said the body was after in-kind support and $26,200.
The funds would see council waive a $10,000 fee for the hire of Parap Pool, as well as a $16,200 cost to install 120 light pole banners.
However, the money would ordinarily come from the annual sponsorship program, which is already exhausted this year. A council report stated “alternative funding sources would need to be identified” to fulfil NT Major Events’ request.
Alderman Robin Knox said while council supported the Arafura Games, which starts in April, she hoped council could find savings by delaying a proposed permanent $50,000 pedestrian crossing at Marrara Sporting Complex which would have been completed for the games.
“I am concerned about rushing into putting a permanent pedestrian crossing in one spot, I’m very happy to put temporary one in (at this stage),” she said. “We may be able to save some funds there and then may be able to support them in some other way.”
Major Events also re- quested in-kind support to waive fees for buses, street closures, temporary staging, and all-wheel-drive access flooring, as well as council to provide beautification and enhanced cleaning of the city and assistance in traffic management.
Members will decide on Tuesday whether to provide the funding and in-kind support or just in-kind support.