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At Darwin Wharf Precinct, we are always on the lookout for
ways to improve our attraction.
Innovations within the Precinct come in the form of a policy
of constant improvement. Many of the changes and additions
made during the 2001-2002 financial year were in direct response
to meeting the needs of customers and tenants.
One such improvement was the introduction of an 'open menu'
policy whereby all items sold by each food outlet is clearly
identified on an approved menu list. This list is available
to each eatery so the manager can identify items that may
need to be introduced in order to increase the total available
choice. This policy has proved to be very successful in enhancing
the variety of food offerings and maintaining reasonable prices.
As a response to public demand, the Darwin Port Corporation
obtained a liquor licence this year which applies to the Cruiseship
Facility.
A number of new signs, including one saying 'Welcome to Darwin'
have been erected.
The Arcade floors have been retiled using modern ceramics.
Nautical artefacts have been introduced to the Arcades to
enhance the design theme of the Precinct.
Potted plants have been positioned at the entrance to the
Eatery Area and a small tropical garden created within Crustaceans
Seafood Restaurant.
New line marking was completed in the car parks.
A further section of the wharf piles was steel-cased in order
to preserve the structure.
Night-time security was introduced with the gatehouse at
the Wharf entrance now manned from 21.30 to 04.30 the following
morning.
A program of upgrading all toilet amenities was completed
this year. Toilets were refurbished with modern, easy-to-clean
tiles, new lighting and improved plumbing where necessary.
Repainting was carried out on the outside structures and
walkways.
The number of active tourism outlets increased by four during
the judging period. We welcomed Buzz Bike Tours, Albatross
Helicopters, Lotus Lily Eco Tours and Fishing Wilderness Tours.
During the year, the Darwin Port Corporation spent a significant
sum on upgrading the small boat landing in order to accommodate
visiting ships' tenders, commercial marine service providers,
a fishing tour operator and harbour/eco tour company.
The conversion of the Old Pumphouse into a first-class restaurant
began earlier this year. This new venture is expected to impact
on late-night pedestrian traffic which has resulted in a close
liaison between Precinct management and the developers regarding
noise pollution and safety.
In the first half of this year a completely new traffic management
plan was researched and implemented at Stokes Hill Wharf.
As a result of a visitor questionnaire, we discovered that
patrons believed the best spot from which to view the Top
End's spectacular sunsets was that occupied by vehicle access
to the rear of the retail arcade. New two metre bollards were
erected to restrict vehicle traffic and a new seating area
was installed.
The services available at the dedicated Cruiseship Facility
have also been improved. Further upgrades have been carried
out to the public facilities on Stokes Hill Wharf. This included
expanding the seating area to cater for increasing visitor
numbers.
Of course the Precinct has its fair share of challenges which
have had to overcome during the year. As cruiseships become
larger, we are having to berth some - such as the Legend of
the Seas - at the nearby Fort Hill Wharf. However, this facility
also operates as a commercial wharf and there is no air-conditioned
terminal as there is at Stokes Hill. Indeed, the initial impression
for those alighting from super cruisers was not aesthetically
pleasing and not what the Precinct management considered suitable.
There is also the problem of dealing with an 8 metre tide
variation which can involve moving the ship's gangways several
times during a twelve hour visit. Add to this the fact that
the container crane can only be moved once a ship has docked,
and it becomes extremely difficult to place a welcoming marquee
adjacent to the berth.
Extensive research of local distributors resulted in a series
of smart, demountable weatherproof shades being purchased
specifically to meet this need. They can be put up in a matter
of seconds and, once dressed with potted palms, transform
the wharf deck into a much more acceptable welcome area for
cruiseship passengers.
The Darwin Port Corporation' own maintenance workshops have
helped enormously by manufacturing two new gangways to be
used for visiting cruiseships.
In essence, the major success of 2001/02 was that of keeping
the Wharf Precinct an desirable and affordable family venue
which caters for many tastes and all budgets.
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