Nakara first cab off the rank for Darwin’s underground power project

29 March 2023

Nakara, Wagaman and Larrakeyah are programmed to be the first of Darwin’s northern suburbs to have their high voltage overhead infrastructure power lines undergrounded.

The rollout is part of the Territory Labor Government’s $60 million investment over six years (2022-2028) to underground Darwin’s power network.

The chronological order for the 13 Darwin suburbs that will receive underground power are: Nakara, Wagaman, Alawa, Larrakeyah, The Narrows, Fannie Bay, Moil, Jingili, Stuart Park, Coconut Grove, Ludmilla, Parap and the Gardens.

• 2023 - Commence works Nakara
• 2023-24 - Commence works Wagaman, Larrakeyah
• 2024-25 - Commence works Alawa, Narrows, Fannie Bay, Jingili, Moil, Stuart Park
• 2025-26 - Commence works Coconut Grove, Ludmilla
• 2026-27 - Commence works Parap, The Gardens

The order of suburbs was decided based on the weighted criteria of outage duration, population density and constructability. 

To date, concept designs have been finalised and procurement action has commenced for designs for Nakara, Wagaman, Larrakeyah and Alawa.

Today’s announcement follows the completion of undergrounding power at eight schools in Darwin, with civil works at the ninth school, St John’s College, due to start in April.

The schools with underground power complete are: Wagaman Primary School, Nemarluk Special School, Alawa Primary School, Larrakeyah Primary School, Moil Primary School, Jingili Primary School, Parap Primary School and Stuart Park Primary School.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Essential Services Selena Uibo:

“The Territory Labor Government is investing in safer and more reliable electricity across Darwin because we know underground power lines suffer fewer weather or vegetation-related outages. Maintaining underground power also costs less and this will have a long-term positive effect.

“The works completed at eight Darwin schools have provided added security and reliability of power supply with the network being more resilient to extreme weather and electrical storms.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Casuarina Lauren Moss:

“Delivering underground power to Darwin’s northern suburbs is important work that will deliver more reliable and safer electricity to residents, schools and the many businesses in the area.

“I’m very pleased to see designs completed with the roll out of underground power in the suburbs of Nakara, Wagaman and Alawa imminent.”

Media Contact – Leah McLennan - 0499 948 798

Northern Territory Government