The new CLP Government can reveal $12.7 million of taxpayers’ money was spent operating the Howard Springs Accommodation Village for two months to cater for flood evacuees last year.
The total bill for cleaning and repairs was $1.3 million for the two-month period in March and April last year.
This included $469,000 replacing windows, $277,000 for handyman services, $174,000 on plumbing, and $89,000 on mattresses.
Adding staffing and operational costs, security and overtime, the total bill for taxpayers came to a staggering $12.7 million.
The cost will be referred to the Public Accounts Committee.
Treasurer Bill Yan said: “The former Labor government skirted around and hid from this issue for months after, never revealing the true cost of the so called ‘wear and tear’ to that facility.
“Two former Chief Ministers repeatedly dodged questions about the damage, but we can now see how much was really spent repairing that facility,” he said.
“The CLP have now had a true look at the books and the sheer waste from the former Labor government is disgraceful.
“This includes a wasted $70 million on Project Sea Dragon, $10 million on Akuna Springs, and cost blowouts of $100 million on the Tiger Brennan overpass.”
Some of the CLP Government’s initiatives to rebuild the economy include reducing payroll tax, introducing a Territory Coordinator to ensure major projects are fought for, started quickly, and completed on time, halving approval times on projects, and cutting red tape.
“We have already announced our ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾Grown Territory grants which gives people up to $50,000 to build a new home, while we will focus on growing our key industries including tourism, defence, agriculture, gas and mining,” said Mr Yan.
Under Treasurer Tim McManus will deliver a keynote speech on the Territory’s economic outlook and challenges at the Darwin Convention Centre from 8.45am on Monday.
