A string of projects earmarked for 38 locations across Darwin will be completed in just over six months under a COVID-19 stimulus program aim at creating jobs, Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has said.

Mr Vatskalis said Darwin Council endorsed $4.6 million in funding for suburban beautification and amenity which will see upgrades to Parap shopping village, tree replanting along the Nightcliff foreshore to assist with erosion mitigation, additional ground lighting at Nakara oval, and exercise equipment in the Malak Greenbelt.

Project funding has been split equally between the four Darwin wards, and the projects are expected to be completed in just over six months.

Mr Vatskalis said the beautification projects aim to create sustainable streetscapes to increase cooling and biodiversity.

“City of Darwin has spent the past 12 months focussing on greening and beautifying our city and this funding will see council delivering projects that will really improve the amenity of our suburbs, where so many Darwin residents live,” he said.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis.

The lord mayor highlighted “significant beautification” planned for Moil, Parap, Karama and Malak shopping centres, along with major roads including Dripstone, Rothdale, Totem and Bradshaw Terrace.

“Improving our city is a key focus for this council; I want our community to be proud of the city they live in,” he said.

According to council documents, the council’s general manager of engineering and city services met with elected members to identify projects for the COVID-19 Stimulus program.

One of the biggest projects is $465,000 worth of “urban design features” and “streetscape beautification” at Parap shopping village.

A total of $220,000 has been designated to re-paint the Malak basketball court and plant a host of trees not only for shade, but according to council, as a protection against vandalism.

The council has set aside $40,000 to replace exercise equipment at Robyn Lesley Park, $35,000 for a concept design of the Esplanade memorial walk, and $200,000 to upgrade the Lyons Street crossing point for children accessing Wanguri School.

Visit the Darwin Council website here for a full list of the projects.