STATUS OF PALMERSTON BILL 2000 Second Reading Speech

Northern Territory Second Reading Speeches

STATUS OF PALMERSTON BILL 2000

(This an uncorrected proof of the daily report. It is made available under the condition that it is recognised as such.)

Mr Speaker, I move the bill be now read a second time.

I take this opportunity to introduce the Status of Palmerston Bill 2000 into the House. It is just 18 years since the first residents moved into the new satellite town of Palmerston. That was the beginning of 1983. The Palmerston Development Authority was then responsible for the planning infrastructure for the area. Roads and footpaths, power and water and sewage, telecommunication lines, shopping centre, schools, parks and sporting facilities were all planned and mostly financed and built by this government.

The Palmerston Town Council was established and took over from the Palmerston Development Authority in 1985. The growth of Palmerston since those beginnings has been very steady and at times explosive. Palmerston continues to be one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia and today its population is estimated to be in excess of 22 500 people.

Darwin was declared to be a city by the Status of Darwin Act in 1959. Darwin then had a population of about 8000 people, but it was the capital of the Northern Territory. In other states there are some criteria for bestowing the title of city upon a town. These may include a population of 20 000 to 25 000 people and a distinct urban character with a variety of infrastructures. There are no such criteria in the Territory, but when the Palmerston Town Council formally requested recognition as a city earlier this year, it was obvious that there were no reasons to not consider the application favourably.
Nevertheless, it was important to be sure that there was strong community support for the proposal. To that end, I pursued a consultative process over a six week period from early June this year. There were no adverse comments at all made to my office. Accordingly, I proceeded to formally change the name of the municipality to the Municipality of the City of Palmerston on 2 August 2000, pursuant to section 30 of the Local Government Act. This action automatically changes the council’s name to Palmerston City Council by virtue of section 5 of the same act.

The bill that I have now introduced is a brief piece of legislation. Its purpose is to reinforce the status of the City of Palmerston by enshrining this change in its own individual act on a similar basis to that of the City of Darwin. This legislation is a tangible recognition of the development, growth, maturity and indeed success of Palmerston, its council and its residents. I know the Mayor and her aldermen firmly believe this change will help create a new image for Palmerston as it progresses into future years. This image will build on strengths of Palmerston as a young, vibrant and growing community with its own individual identity. I wish the Palmerston City Council well in its endeavours.

I commend the bill to honourable members.

Debate adjourned.

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