5.11: Sport and Recreation Facilities

Promote and cater for all levels of sports.

Other Information:

Sport and recreation facilities are a vital aspect of community life in the neighbourhoods of Canberra. Sportsgrounds form an integral part of suburban infrastructure planning. Space for sportsgrounds has been allocated in virtually every new suburb in Gungahlin and more recently extended to Stromlo. Harrison Neighbourhood Oval is now under construction in Gungahlin, and district playing fields will be constructed nearby during 2008, helping to meet the rapidly growing recreational needs of the area. The next major complex of this kind, now in the early stages of planning, will be in the suburb of Throsby, just north of the Gungahlin Town Centre. The Gungahlin Town Centre will have its own enclosed oval for high-level local competition in various sports, and a site has been identified nearby for a major indoor leisure centre, which may include a swimming pool and auxiliary facilities. Early planning for these facilities is under way. Water management will be critical for all facilities, especially sportsgrounds. The current drought has galvanised planning for long-term future climate change and water conservation. Inevitably potable water will come to be regarded as unsuitable for irrigation, and several projects now in progress are exploring potential solutions. The Sanctuary Wetlands at Tidbinbilla have been redeveloped at a cost of $8.3 million, in addition to the construction of adventure play facilities and upgraded walking tracks. Development and enhanced educational opportunities at Tidbinbilla will continue, following a decision by the ACT Government to administer Tidbinbilla and Birrigai Outdoor Education Centre as a single entity under a management committee. The joint venture will become a major tourism destination, serving as a gateway to the ACT’s extensive parks and open spaces. The ACT Government will continue to promote and cater for all levels of sports and events that use the Canberra Stadium, Manuka Oval and Stromlo Forest Park. These venues provide elite and community facilities for residents and visitors and we will continue to explore and establish new business opportunities for national and international events.

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