Uni rejects $228,000
CHARLES Darwin University has forfeited a possible $38,000 per month by rejecting an offer from Darwin council to maintain the Cavenagh St carpark for the uni.
Transferral of ownership coincides with the end of the council’s free parking measures, made in response to coronavirus, meaning the university could have made the most of public servants’ parking fees. It’s not known whether a maintenance fee would have been charged by council, but a spokesman said the university could have made almost $230,000 if construction was delayed for six months.
CHARLES Darwin University has forfeited a possible $38,000 per month by rejecting an offer from Darwin council to maintain the Cavenagh St carpark for the uni.
Transferral of ownership coincides with the end of the council’s free parking measures, made in response to coronavirus, meaning the university could have made the most of public servants’ parking fees.
While the offer was made from Darwin council to maintain the car park for up to six months, no specifics had been drawn up meaning it was not known what maintenance fee council would have charged.
But a Darwin council spokesman said the carpark generated about $38,000 per month, meaning the university could have made $228,000 if construction was delayed for six months.
The decision comes despite CDU Vice-Chancellor Simon Maddocks revealing the university could plunge into a deficit of more than $22 million this year, while also revealing he’d be taking a significant pay cut.
While council’s other carparks will be able to absorb the 391 spaces made redundant in the carpark closure, motorists will likely have to fork out more for their parking space.
“There are a number of different options for carpark users, for instance China Town and the new State Square underground carpark, which have secure amenities, and open air off street availability,” the spokesman said.
“These are priced comparably or slightly more, depending on users’ needs.
“All day permit holders (people who purchase longterm parking) will be offered the same arrangements in another COD carpark.”
Council will engage motorists who use the carpark this week to ensure other arrangements can be met.
“Two weeks notification will allow users to easily choose an alternative place to park,” the spokesman said.
The development application is still being assessed by CDU. Earlier, Prof Maddocks said CDU’s revenue would fall between $20 million and $30 million this year, as a result of coronavirus. “This includes revenue decline from international students, very little VET fee-for-service income, less student accommodation demand, less research and reduced investment income,” he said. CDU was contacted for comment.