Little new spending planned for Katherine

A more detailed examination of today's Budget documents shows a repeat of previous Budget commitments which go back to the election of the Gunner Government.

The funding focus continues to be the Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub.

The NT Government has promised $30 million for the long discussed freight hub is to be located adjacent to the Katherine Railway Terminal.

"The NT Government is progressing the development of a multi-disciplined logistics and agribusiness hub to meet the current and future growth needs of Katherine, the Top End region and northern Australia," Budget documents state.

"The hub will drive economic development, create jobs and increase prosperity in the Big Rivers region.

"Detailed design for the subdivision is well advanced.

"Construction of external power servicing works commenced in September 2020 and is expected to be completed early 2021. External roadworks and intersection construction is anticipated to commence mid 2021."

A total of almost $21 million is in the kitty for the long discussed Katherine Flood Mitigation works.

"The Katherine Flood Mitigation Program includes delivery of structural mitigation measures (levees), flood resilience for the town and planning measures to provide commercial land outside of the flood zone within Katherine East (Katherine East Neighbourhood Centre)," Budget documents state.

"The program will increase Katherine's flood resilience and improve flood protection of Katherine residential areas.

"The Katherine East Neighbourhood Centre is a sub-division development project which will allow for the future construction of residential and commercial facilities. The future development includes a diverse mix of medium density housing with commercial, retail and public open space that supports economic and social activity, outside of a Q100 flood zone."

The NT Government's already announced Arts Trail plans includes $10 million for art gallery extensions and/or upgrades in Katherine.

"The Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art and Culture Centre upgrades will utilise funding of $4.5 million to enable the centre to activate several spaces at once to increase utilisation, visitation capacity and revenue opportunities and is expected to commence in early 2021."

There is also funding for an upgrade to Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft in Katherine.

The ongoing town square upgrade also receives a mention in the Budget.

"This year the Katherine CBD town square upgrade will be completed with further grant funding available for activities to activate the space," Budget documents state.

"These projects aim to build a vibrant community and create local jobs while additional plans will see upgrades to safety and security designed to create a functional and engaging CBD."

Katherine Town Council hopes these $3.5 million works will be complete by the end of the year.

There is also mention in the Budget documents for the "continuing works for new specialist consulting rooms" at Katherine Hospital ($2.7 million) and $1.5 million for a library and learning resource centre at Katherine High School.

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