The Northern Territory Government has released its Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan Towards 2030 for public consultation.

Planning Minister Gerry McCarthy said the Plan aims to support the growth that began in 2001 by developing more than 28,000 more places to live during the next 15 years, up to 125,000 extra square metres of retail space, up to 90,000 extra square metres of commercial office space and up to 1215 more hectares of industrial  land for business.

“These objectives will be delivered in part through greenfield and infill developments where land can be used for a mixture of residential, retail and commercial purposes to maximise land use and achieve greater efficiencies while also helping to drive down the cost of living,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Importantly, this Plan has a strong focus on housing that is affordable, appropriate to the Top End climate and suits changing household types, including seniors accommodation and making it easier for Territorians to work closer to where they live.

The Plan also identifies areas within the Greater Darwin Region where it would be inappropriate to develop such as parks, reserves and areas subject to flooding.

The Plan is available at www.growingnt.nt.gov.aut for a three month consultation period.

Public information sessions about the Plan will be held in the Darwin region next month.