The Northern Territory Opposition says a survey voting Darwin as Australia's second worst livable city confirms the Government has lost its way in urban planning.
The Property Council of Australia survey says Darwin residents think the Top End city rates worst nationally for schools, healthcare services and affordable housing.
Only 39 per cent of residents thought the city looks attractive - the lowest ranking score in the country.
However they ranked the city well for its road network and lack of traffic jams, good economic and employment opportunities and a diverse range of people who get along well.
But Opposition housing spokeswoman Kezia Purick says the report does not paint a good picture for Darwin nationally.
"Basically it is embarrassing. The Northern Territory, 10 years ago - before this Labor Government came to power - was a desirable place for investment, a desirable place for people to come and live," he said.
"They could live here, it was affordable - basically this Government has made us the laughing stock of the nation."
Housing Minister Gerry McCarthy says the Government is fast-tracking land release in Palmerston and there are "affordable" house and land packages available there
Ms Purick also says Darwin has lost its character.
"As we all know we've struggled with the planning; the Government hasn't handled it at all well - it's been ad hoc," she said.
"We've seen exemptions all over the place. Government acquiesces all the time to changes of zoning. It gives uncertainty to developers, it gives uncertainty to the average Territorian as to what to expect."
Mr McCarthy says Darwin is a great city to live in, but the Government understands there is more to do.
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